Andover is set to gain a brand-new tourist attraction as plans for an adventure golf course have been given the thumbs up.

And fans of the fun activity will not have to wait long to tee off - with an opening date set for this autumn. 

Test Valley Borough Council approved an Iron Age-themed course at Charlton Lakeside last week.

Its existing course will be updated and transformed into a brand-new 18-hole facility, which councillors hope will put the town on the map. 

Developers have included features and obstacles to transport visitors back to 800BC. 

Danny Churcher, contract manager for places for leisure, welcomed the move.

He said: "We are pleased this project is going ahead, as we believe it will really enhance the area. 

"Adventure golf is a popular activity, primarily because it appeals to people of all ages and abilities and is something the whole family can do together, from toddlers to grandparents. 

"It’s another active place that brings people together in an outdoor setting. We are also including an educational element to the facility based on the Iron Age theme, which we hope both children and adults will enjoy."

Cllr Phil North, leader of Test Valley Borough Council, said he was pleased the outdated course would be given a make-over.

Andover Advertiser: Plans for the 18-hole course have been approvedPlans for the 18-hole course have been approved

He said: “This is really great news and I would like to thank Places Leisure for making it happen. The existing course is in a pretty sorry state, so I’m really pleased that we’ve got a fantastic new facility to look forward to. And particularly one that pays tribute to the area’s history.

“It's in an excellent location with a range of pedestrian and cycle routes nearby and we hope that providing a vastly enhanced course will prove popular with both local communities and customers from further afield.

“Adventure golf is a brilliant way for the entire family to have fun and enjoy some fresh air and I hope it will prove to be a well-loved attraction. It’ll be great to try it out once complete!”

Work is expected to begin on site later this summer and it is hoped that the new course will be ready for the public to tee off in Autumn 2020.