MORE than 1,000 pupils in Swindon are to be given the chance to try their hand at golf.

And, to make things easier, they will be tee-ing off with giant balls and plastic clubs.

The schoolchildren aged between five and 12 will be taking part in a new sports programme called Golf Roots.

Pupils will receive Tri Golf lessons during school time, before having the opportunity to enter an inter-school Tri Golf festival on July 8 at the Oasis Leisure Centre.

Julia Hooker, Golf Roots co-ordinator at Swindon Council, said: "For too long golf has been seen as traditional, conservative and elitist.

"Golf Roots challenges the conventional views of golf by giving children access to the game, and that can only help the game to flourish in our town."