I went with a group of friends for a meal at Rockcliffe Hall - the newly-opened golf and hotel development in my home village of Hurworth-on-Tees, near Darlington - on Saturday night.

What a fantastic asset it is going to be for the local area and the wider region.

Middlesbrough chairman Steve Gibson is the man behind the developpment, which is adjacent to the Boro's training ground.

The hotel and spa aren't completed yet but the golf course and clubhouse are open for business.

The course, created out of farmland, looks like it's been established for years. It will become known as one of the best golf courses in the north - of that I have no doubt.

You don't have to be a member to eat and drink in the clubhouse which is beautifully designed and has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

And the prices are very reasonable. With two rounds of drinks, main courses and coffees, the bill for seven of us was £117.

I, for one, will be a regular visitor.