A WYRE park warden has appealed for golfers not to practise their swing on public parks and playing fields after an elderly man was hit while sitting in his garden.

Derek Mays said the man from The Strand, Fleetwood, was hit by a golf ball struck from nearby King George's playing fields.

Luckily the man was not seriously hurt but Mr Mays believes it could only be a matter of time before someone is.

He said: "We've had a number of complaints from residents concerned about this and these incidents have been increasing."

The incident follows several near-misses and the smashing of windows during the summer.

The council wants people to use a proper course or driving range and not to practise on public open spaces.

They warn that those caught damaging council property, intentionally or not, can face prosecution and the cost of repairs.

Coun Jim Lawrenson, cultural portfolio holder, said: "While we don't want to put anyone off becoming the next Tiger Woods or Nick Faldo we would remind people to use the facilities provided for such recreation.

"The potential damage that can be caused by a wayward golf ball to both people and property is very serious."