MALTON & Norton Golf Club have been awarded with the prestigious GolfMark award from England Golf and Sport England.

GolfMark is awarded to clubs that have met high-quality standards in providing playing and coaching programmes, a duty of care and welfare, including child protection, knowing their club and community, and club management.

Malton & Norton has gone through a period of transition with a focus on attracting more children, women and beginners, and the GolfMark award recognises the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes.

Assistant professional Michael Eyre has been instrumental in growing the junior coaching programme, which now has more than 50 children in attendance each Saturday.

Furthermore, M&N are organising a course of lessons for absolute beginners as part of the first National Golf Month during May.

Head pro Michael Brooks said: “We would urge local residents to give it a go. We have lessons for juniors, ladies and gents, designed for beginners who want to give golf a try.

"We are a friendly club, and golf is a great way to get fit and meet new people.

"More and more young people are getting into the sport."

The beginners' five-week course of lessons costs £15 for adults, or £10 for juniors over four weeks.

Anyone interested can phone the club on 01653 697912 or email secretary@mngc.co.uk