A JUNIOR golf club has won a national accolade for its hard work and dedication to the sport.

The Oakleaf Golf Club, in Newton Aycliffe, has been awarded the Junior GolfMark by the English Golf Union and English Ladies' Golf Association.

The initiative evaluates clubs in three areas: coaching and playing, club environment, and child protection and duty of care.

The Oakleaf club has only been established for eight years, but has 113 junior members from six upwards, representing almost half the total club membership.

The club, coached by Ernie Wilson, uses the facilities at the Oakleaf Sports Complex, which is owned and run by Great Aycliffe Town Council.

Secretary Ron Mitchie said: "The award means a lot to us because it shows we are a quality golf club.

"We have got some really good kids here and it is a pleasure to work with them. I have been involved in football and cricket all my life, but these are the best kids I have worked with, no doubt about it."

Mr Mitchie says the work already done at the club was "the tip of the iceberg", adding that there were lots of plans to expand.