A NORTH-EAST golf club aims to encourage more youngsters to give the game a go by offering free memberships.

Children aged 11 and under can have full membership at Seaton Carew from January onwards in the hope it helps see interest grow.

Those aged 12-17 also have the chance to become year-long members at the reputable North Sea links for £125 and club professional Clifford Jackson is keen to make the initiative a success.

“It’s designed to try to get more youngsters in the community engaged in the sport,” said Jackson, 41. “Golf is a great example, it promotes the correct manners and character and stops kids from being on the computers all of the time. It stops kids from being on street corners and they can now join a club for free here.”

Jackson took over at Seaton six and a half years ago and holds regular children’s clinics on a Saturday when the weather is better. Both of his children - Ella Rose, ten, and Lucca Thomas, five - have been under his guidance.

And while he clearly hopes Seaton benefits from the move, he also hopes that more clubs follow suit to help the North-East produce more talented golfers in the future.

He said: “Clubs are starting to feel the pinch because golf can be a costly exercise. You have to kit yourself out, join a club, get lessons and that’s probably why people can sometimes turn away.

“We want to have kids come along and feel like they don’t need anything apart from some comfortable clothing, shoes, and we would like to move them forward knowing they don’t have the added expense of membership fees.

“From a regional point of view too we would like to see success in the future. We would like to put the North-East on the map because a lot of money does go south. I feel if these kids were given an opportunity they could make something for themselves and hopefully we are helping them here at Seaton Carew.”

For those interested in joining or more details contact Seaton Carew Golf Club on (01429) 266249.

GOLF lovers can also tee off in style at a leading North-East hotel after a range of special packages were announced.

Ramside Hall – which has two championship golf courses – has put together a number of play and stay packages, available throughout the year.

The golf packages are subject to availability with prices starting from £95 per person, with a range of upgrades available.

For information, or full package details, contact the hotel on 0191 386 5282 or visit ramsidehallhotel.co.uk.