A FEW weeks he go he did not know his irons from his woods, but Chagford resident Mike Howard has picked golf as his latest challenge to raise funds for the Devon Air Ambulance.
Mike, who is manager of Jag Communications in Okehampton, aims to play 18 holes in 100 shots after six lessons, to boost the charity for which he has just become a local representative.
'My first attempt at golf was absolutely hopeless so I have got my work cut out — on average beginners at Okehampton will play 18 holes in 120-140 shots.
'I am hoping to beat that by quite a bit and if I do it in less than 100 shots I will be back to my sponsors for another £1.'
Mike has been involved in individual and group efforts for the air ambulance, which is well supported in the Okehampton area and he will take over from Howard Haytor as local representative, doing talks and accepting cheques on the charity's behalf.
He said the air ambulance was often flying over Okehampton: 'I always think one day I might need it and it is the best chance of saving somebody's life in a rural area like this,' he said.
'When it pitched on the mini-roundabout in Market Street recently it was a fantastic piece of flying. I can't understand why the Government doesn't fund it.'
To sponsor Mike for his challenge, which will take place in June, pop into the shop or contact him on 07753 568656.