GOLFERS are being urged to tee-off in an open competition to boost a civic charity next month.

The Mayor of Durham, Councillor Mary Hawgood, hopes her chosen charity, St Cuthbert's Hospice in the city, will receive a big shot-in-the-arm from the charity golf open event.

Now in its sixth year, the competition, at the Durham City course, at Littleburn, Langley Moor, has provided a big boost for successive mayoral charity funds.

Organiser Steve Milburn, administration manager in Durham City Council's community services department, said: "It's a win-win situation for everyone involved.

"Not only do the golfers have a great day out on a fabulous course, but their green fees go to the mayor's charity.

"This year we're hoping to pass last year's total of £1,800."

Teams of four pay a total of £100 to take part, which includes the cost of the round and an evening meal in the clubhouse, where the mayor will make the presentations at the end of the event.

Prizes, donated by local businesses, are up for grabs for categories including a hole-in-one or nearest the hole.

Coun Hawgood is looking forward to the competition, even though she admits her last appearance on a course was to look for golf balls that her clergyman father lost from stray shots at games in Colchester during her childhood.

"He used to have Mondays off and during school holidays one of us used to go along with him to help find the lost balls.

"Our reward was a glass of ginger beer at the end of the round," she said.

Something stronger will be available to competitors at the "nineteenth" hole at the Durham City course, following the competition, on Friday, July 2, when the first golfers tee-off at 9.30am.

Further details are available from Mr Milburn, on 0191-301 8671, or Jill Wood, on 0191-301 8226.