A GOLF challenge has raised hundreds of pounds for a children’s charity.

The Hotshots Putting Challenge was staged at Ramside Golf Club, near Durham City, on Saturday and Sunday, in aid of Barnardo’s.

Businessmen Paul Downs and Edward Lennie put up £10,000 to anyone who could sink five consecutive putts from increasing distances, 10ft, 20ft, 30ft, 40ft and 50ft.

Ramside Estates managing director John Adamson matched their £10,000 pledge, as well as providing free use of the facilities for the charity event.

The second jackpot was on offer to a player who landed all three balls inside a target zone from 145 yards.

No-one scooped the top prizes, but Andrew Matthews, 41 from Coxhoe, won £500 for making three out of five puts.

Phil Stamp, 46, from Darlington, and James Meyrick, 21, from Newcastle, split the £500 prize for getting two balls in the target zones from 145 yards.

Organiser Paul Downs said: “There were some fantastic players and everyone had a great day. A lot of money has been raised for a great cause.”