Ant and Dec host Slaley Hall charity golf tournament

May 1 2010 by Sam Wonfor, The Journal

IT was a case of tee for a lot more than two yesterday as TV presenters Ant and Dec hosted their annual charity golf tournament in their native North East.

The weather was kind to the assembled crowd of personalities from the worlds of entertainment and sport as they took in 18 holes at the very lovely (and championship standard) Slaley Hall Golf Course in Northumberland. Actors Tim Healy and Jonathan Wilkes joined former Newcastle United players such as Steve Watson, John Beresford and Robert Lee on the fairways, as the teams vied for the pride of being declared winners on the day, while raising money for a good cause.

“We enjoyed ourselves,” laughed Dec, when asked whether they had put in a golfing performance to be proud of.

“We do try to play golf a lot, but it’s usually a case of enjoying the taking part,” added Ant.

“We both play off about 20,” said Dec of their handicaps, “so not great, but we have a good time.”

Yesterday’s event was the fourth annual gathering hosted by the popular pair in aid of the Youth Ministry Team (YMT), run by Declan’s brother, Father Dermot Donnelly, of the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle.

The YMT offers opportunities for young people from across the North East, and is currently developing a Youth Village, within the Derwent Valley.

During the past 12 months, the residential phase of the project has been completed, providing accommodation for local schools and community groups in four chalets.