The ten lucky pupils were among 350 Year 4, 5 and 6 students from 30 schools across the region who took part in the Little Sticks Sunderland Schools Festival at the Beacon of Light.

The morning featured Rotational Little Sticks Activities looking at some of the key life skills from the programme, including Team Challenge Zone, Overcoming Problems Zone, Respect Zone and Environmental Zone.

There was also a Player Panel Q&A with Lee Westwood, and a photo and autograph session.

The festival came just days after Europe retained the Ryder Cup in New York, an event ‘Westy’ took part in 11 times during his illustrious career.

At the 2004 Ryder Cup, Lee Westwood sank the putt which ensured that Europe retained the Cup and six years later he knocked Tiger Woods off the world number one spot.

Mr Nicholson and Mr Breeze launched the school golf club at Central last year and are hoping to increase take-up as the sport is now in the school’s curriculum. Today’s trip will certainly help the membership drive!