YOUNG wannabe golfers are to be offered free membership and training a top Forest golf course in a deal to "give back to the community".

The special offer of six months free membership for 50 youngsters aged 11-16, will begin in April and allow play at the Royal Forest of Dean Golf Club through the summer and up to the Ryder Cup.

The club's PGA pro, Stuart Jenkins, said: "The idea is that owner of the club (Forest businessman Harry Kear) wants to do something to give back to the community. Let's face it, there's not a lot to do in town so we do get a lot of youngsters hanging around on the edge of the course.

"This is an opportunity for us to offer them some structured lessons. There will be free membership, so they don't have to worry about jumping on the course and upsetting members. There will be some free tuition, so they learn how to play and the protocols of where to play. We've got all the kit and gear here at the club and all of that will come in the deal."

Currently up for sale, the 18 hole course in golf course in Coleford has just under 300 members and is linked to a 50-bed hotel, restaurant and conference complex.

The free places up for grabs are open to 11-16 year-olds living within two miles or so of Coleford town centre. Further details from the club.