A Darlington municipal golf course is about to undergo a major revamp in an attempt to attract more people.

Stressholme Golf Club, which is owned by Darlington Borough Council, is one of the most popular and highly-regarded courses in the region.

But most of the facilities were built in the late 1970s and they are now regarded as old and outdated.

Darlington council has now decided to spend money modernising the club, which is situated next to the A66, near Blands Corner.

Work, which is due to start shortly, includes refurbishing the clubhouse and bar.

The open tunnel area leading to the practice green is being made into an enclosed foyer for greater comfort and there will also be a new entrance to the club shop.

The council hopes these changes will attract people to the club who don't even play golf.

Steve Thompson, the club's leisure and catering manager, said: "We want to offer the club a venue for conferences, meetings and for the family.

"We are extending the services offered in the clubhouse and will open from 7am in the morning to late at night, serving meals throughout the day."

Changes to the actual golf course are being kept to a minimum because it is already popular with users.

But the council is improving the bunkers and doing a lot of horticultural work to make it look even more attractive.

Following consultations with golfers the 16th hole is being reinstated as a Par 5.

Mr Thompson added: "We will have new planted areas around the course and are also working on improving the footpaths.

"There are currently around 50,000 rounds of golf played on the course every year and we hope the improvements we are making will attract even more people."

There will be some minor disruption while the work is carried out and golfers are being advised that the booking area for a round will be moved to the driving range