MULLION Golf Club is celebrating the award of the Junior GolfMark certificate, which was put on display after its presentation at the club.

The award was granted by the English Golf Union and the English Ladies' Golf Association who are promoting an initiative to recognise clubs who are "junior friendly" and actively encouraging youngsters into taking up the sport.

The Junior GolfMark aims to help and encourage clubs to address a variety of issues surrounding junior golf, review their current provision and compare their progress against national criteria.

Mullion is the first golf club in the West Country to have been granted this award, which recognises the club's commitment to providing coaching and playing opportunities, a welcoming club environment and a firm policy on child protection and duty of care.

In determining these issues, the club's secretary, Gerry fitter; club professional, Ian Harris; ladies captain, Sharon Moyle; and junior organiser, Peter Moyle, were interviewed in depth and had to produce evidence to support the club's eligibility for the presitigious award.

Club captain, Graham Stilwell, paid tribute to the support, which the club members give to the junior section and added that Mullion has historically encouraged junior golf. He added that the achievement is a reflection of the club as a whole.