POLICE golfers swung into action to win their way through to the finals of a national competition for the first time.

Cleveland Police left opposition teed-off as they beat teams from North Yorkshire and Northumbria, and wiped out favourites Lothian and Borders, as they played matches from Scotland down to Cheshire.

Now the team is ready for the national finals at an event over two days in Bournemouth, later this year, in a bid to clinch the British Police Team Championships.

Team secretary Sergeant Colin Gibson said: "The Cleveland force has had a golf section for more than 20 years and this is the first time we have had such a winning streak.

"The secret is determination. Everything has gone well, we have beaten six forces up to now, but we know the finals the will be tough."

Cleveland will face teams from the City of London force, the Midlands force and the Wales force at the finals in September.