SUPER soldier Jay Brassington is facing the toughest challenge of his life - to hunt down Big Bertha.

The beefy Royal Marine is racing against time to find 'Bertha' - the name of his gigantic golf club.

The special £400 driver - made from expensive Titanium - is the secret weapon Jay hopes will put him in the record books.

But Big Bertha was stolen from Jay's locker at Euxton Park Golf Club - just days before he is to take part in the National Long Drive championships.

Golf-mad Jay, 23, has made it to the final ten in the contest to find the country's biggest hitter.

But the theft has wrecked his plans to lift the top title at Birmingham next week.

"I'm devastated," said Jay, who lives at Higher Wheelton. "Without Big Bertha I'll be really struggling in the finals.

"I've hit a ball up to 340 yards with this wood. It's a monster. I've beaten hundreds of golfers to get this far and without a replacement I won't be able to take part."

Euxton Park owner Tim Evans said: "We're all searching like made for a replacement driver in time for the finals, but it's almost impossible.

"There are only a handful in the country. You can't buy them over the counter, they have to be specially made. They're extremely rare.

"It will be a great shame for Jay. To get this far in the competition and then for a sneaky thief to ruin it is beyond words."

In a last ditch effort, Jay is appealing to whoever took his super-club to hand it back - with no questions asked.

They can drop it off at Euxton Park Golf Centre, or at the Citizen's offices at Winckley Square, Preston.

Alternatively, they - or anyone else with information - can ring the Centre on 01257 261601 and leave details where the club can be found.

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