GOLFERS are closing the generation gap by offering free coaching to children.

A partnership between Age Concern Durham County, Crook Golf Club, Wear Valley Sport Action Zone and volunteer agency 2D launched the after school coaching initiative yesterday.

Ten students from Parkside School, Willington, were given a guided tour of Crook Golf Club, to get a taste of what is to come from the project, which has been funded by regional development agency One NorthEast.

Marianne Patterson, of Age Concern Durham County, said: "Age Concern Durham County runs an intergenerational programme and we have done all sorts of projects from local history to art and drama.

"This time we have six volunteers from Crook Golf Club who are going to run the after school club at Parkside School and the kids are looking forward to it.''

The volunteers will be trained by the Golf Foundation to deliver the Junior Passport Scheme. The first session will be held on April 26.

Nigel Douthwaite, sports club development officer for Wear Valley, said: "This project is a good example of how partnership working can benefit schools, communities and sports clubs.

"Crook Golf Club should be congratulated for having the foresight to take on such a programme, particularly their volunteers, for their time and commitment.''