A CHARITY close to heart has benefitted from a huge donation thanks to keen golfers.

Captains of Andover Golf Club for 2018/19 Louise Hughes and Allan King chose The Countess of Brecknock Hospice Trust to be their charity of the year.

Through kind donations from members, competitions, matches and special events including the Captain’s Handover Ball, £3,587.10 was raised – with over £1,000 raised at the ball alone.

Golf club manager and secretary Andrew Cloke said: “It is fantastic to raise this much money; it is always great to help out a worthy local charity and the Countess of Brecknock.

“I know it means a lot to quite a few people here which means it is that little bit more special.”

Trust director Michele Gard said: “Andover Golf Club has supported the hospice for many years. We are reliant on donations such as these to provide the outstanding care for which we are known.

“Without the support of individuals, companies and organisations like Andover Golf Club, the hospice would not be here to help at the most difficult time in people’s lives. We are very grateful to Allan King and Louise Hughes and all the members for their support.”

Currently the hospice is undergoing a £4.2million transformation, with the ambition to add 10 new inpatient rooms, extend the day care centre and provide extra facilities for patients, visitors and staff.