SOME of the North's best amateur golfers will be teeing off in an annual competition in east Cleveland this weekend.

The men-only Cleveland Salver Cup started in 1969 and is part of a series of tournaments taking place throughout the region in an attempt to find the top amateur golfer.

Scot Colin Montgomery is one of the many leading players who got that important first step up on to the professional ladder thanks to the tournament.

But the Cleveland Salver Cup, played at Redcar Golf Course, is unique as it decides the best amateur golfer in Northumberland and Durham, as well as the top man in Yorkshire.

Club secretary Peter Fletcher said he was looking forward to a good day's golf and believes the field is the best in the cup's history.

"We have 60 entrants and there is no one with a handicap of three or more. It is our biggest event of the year and we are very much looking forward to some good weather and some great golf."

Spectators are welcome to watch the action free of charge at the club, on Majuba Road, and the clubhouse is open all day.