YOUNGSTERS are being invited to try their hand at golf as part of a project to cut vandalism at the course.

Teenagers from the Callon estate, Fishwick, will receive tips on how to play the sport from members of Fishwick Hall Golf Club, Glenluce Drive.

They will play rounds at the club under the guidance of professional golfer and club member Martin Watson ubder a joint partnership, project between the sports development team, Collingwood Housing and Fishwick Hall Golf Club.

Allan Cook, sports development officer at Preston City Council, said: "This scheme is still in the early stages but it has been very successful so far. There have been some problems with youngsters jumping over the fences at the golf club and not treating the course with respect. We are allowing them to play golf by coming in through the front door and having a proper game and learning the proper skills."

Chris Aspden, 15, a pupil at Christ The King RC High School, Lawrence Avenue, Frenchwood, and one of the participants in the scheme said: "I've learnt how to putt and chip and we did lots of training before playing a nine hole game. It's been great."

It is hoped the pilot scheme can be extended to nearby schools.