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 disaster steuck when 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 could wreck 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 but without a replacement I won't be able to take part."

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

"There are only a handful in the country. They have to be specially made. They're extremely rare.

"To get this far and then for a sneaky thief to ruin it is beyond words."

Jay is appealing to whoever took his super-club to hand it back - 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 can call 01257 261601 and say where the club can be found.

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