RALPH Givens ended 24 years as professional at Blackwell Grange Golf Club with a gift to the junior golf section he has nurtured over the years.

Ralph, who moves across the road to take up his new post as senior professional at Stressholme Golf Centre tomorrow, was thanked for his services in a packed clubhouse on Friday at a presentation evening organised by captain John Bainbridge.

And he had a parting gift of his own, the Ralph Givens Trophy, which will be competed for by Blackwell's young golfers.

"It was a very difficult decision to leave after all these years but Stressholme offers a new challenge and I am very much looking forward to it," said Ralph, whose wife, Lesley, was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Blackwell's ladies captain, Anne Robinson.

At Stressholme, Ralph will team up with Darlington-born PGA professional Giles Johnson, who holds the course record at Blackwell and was professional at Woodham Golf Club, near Newton Aycliffe, before taking up an appointment in Sussex.

Joanne Furby, assistant to Ralph at Blackwell, takes over as senior professional.

Ralph is gearing up for a busy start in his new post as Stressholme opens as a Junior Golf Foundation starter centre in mid-May and he and Giles will also be coaching the Durham County Golf Association girls in a lottery-sponsored series of sessions organised by Marjorie Bates, the association's regional officer.

"Ralph has been a great servant to Blackwell Grange and while we are very sorry to see him go, we wish him all the best in his new venture," said John Bainbridge.