A TEENAGER from Longnewton has won the Durham County Junior Golf Championship held at South Shields Golf Club.

Ryan Riley, 17, of Eastgate Farm, took the title after beating 64 rivals in the 36-hole event.

After shooting a par 71 in the first round, he dropped back during the second round before coming through with a late charge over the closing nine holes, taking just 30 strokes to card a 73 and take victory.

He was congratulated by Robert Webster, who won the trophy himself in 1961 before going on to join the professional ranks and play on the European Seniors' Tour.

The teenager only took up the sport four years ago after picking up an injury playing rugby, his first love. Since then he has not looked back and golf has become his all-consuming passion.

He is coached by England and Durham coach John Harrison and has hopes of turning professional when he is 18.

His immediate ambition is to play for England, but before that there is the small matter of competing in the Faldo Junior Series at Slaley Hall in Northumberland in May, plus the televised Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters in June.