A GOLF club is offering free coaching sessions for special needs, primary and secondary school pupils during the Easter holidays.

Woodham Golf and Country Club, in Newton Aycliffe, has obtained grants from Sedgefield Borough Council, the British Golf Foundation and the English Golf Union to offer the sessions free of charge.

Woodham professional Ernie Wilson has been advertising the sessions in local schools and is expecting a big response.

There will be three groups, for special needs, primary school children (four to 11 years) and secondary school children (12 to 15 years).

Five sessions will be available for each group, with the first starting on Monday, March 25.

Mr Wilson said: "It will cost nothing for the kids at all. We supply all the equipment and the balls. It is aimed at the grassroots, so it is 24 handicap and above. If they are a member of a golf club we will be asking them what their handicap is, but really it is for beginners and improvers."

For more information about the coaching sessions, contact Mr Wilson on (01325) 315257.