MORE than 150 people took part in a golf tournament this weekend to raise money for charity.

Golfers of all ages and abilities took part in Partners Day, at Seaham Golf Club yesterday, which saw club members playing alongside novices to the sport.

The event - which raised about £1,600 for Macmillan Nurses - had the more accomplished golfers playing the shots from the tee to the green on each hole, with their non-golfing partners putting the ball into the hole.

The charity was chosen by club captain and event organiser Craig Pharaoh, whose father died from cancer.

Earlier this year, Seaham Golf Club also lost renowned member Bill Hepplewhite to the disease. A bridge on the 18th hole of the course has since been unveiled as a memorial.

Mr Pharaoh said he was delighted with how the day had gone. The club's fundraising of £800 was matched by Barclays, and the bank's representative, Dawn Riley, took part in the event.

"We had more than 150 people taking part, which is a great turnout, I'm really pleased," said Mr Pharaoh.

"The charity is something that is very close to most people. I lost my dad to cancer and, sadly, it's something that everyone comes across at some point.

"It's a really fantastic cause and everyone has been only too keen to support Partners Day. I'm a Newcastle fan and, even wore, the Sunderland shirt we were giving away in the raffle - I had to remind myself it was for a really good cause."

Terry Johnson, club secretary, who took part with daughter Deborah, said: "Hopefully, events like today can show that golf is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It was great to see families playing together and enjoying the course while also raising money for such a worthwhile charity."