GOLFERS have raised an impressive £4,000 for a national charity which supports people with arthritis.

Lady members at Hexham Golf Club carried out a variety of fund-raising activities during 2019, in aid of Versus Arthritis which supports sufferers, healthcare professionals and research into the disease.

Four of them - June Lomax, Anne Suddes, Tracy Paterson and Kate Benson - took part in the Great North Run last September.

Other activities, carried out under the leadership of lady captain Jean Thompson, included a raffle, cake and jam making and a collection of 20p coins.

Another money spinning activity took place on the course, with players landing their balls in the charity bunker, on the 18th hole, making generous donations.

Mrs Thompson also raised money during her drive-in last April, when members had to guess the length of her opening shot.

There was also a putting competition, and an afternoon tea with stalls selling golf clothing, as well as bags, scarves and jewellery,

Stallholders including the Bodyshop donated proceeds to the cause, while Hexham-based physio Carl Bell provided tips on health and fitness for golfers.

Golfer Joan Smith said: “Hexham Golf Club ladies have made a significant contribution to the work of the charity. Jean is grateful to the four Hexham lady golfers who contributed funds by completing the Great North Run, to her team of raffle ticket sellers, cake bakers, jam makers and event organisers for supporting such a worthy cause.”

Hexham ladies also celebrated another memorable year on the course, with the presentation of trophies. The first team won Northumberland Division One for the fourth successive year.