TELEVISION star Kevin Whatley was in Newport yesterday, teeing off at a charity fundraising golf tournament.

The TK Maxx Golf Day aims to raise £20,000 for children's charity NCH and beat last year's total of £15,000. Each year it is held at a different golf club and this year it was the turn of Newport's Celtic Manor.

Mr Whatley is best known for his roles as Sergeant Lewis in Inspector Morse, Neville in Auf Wiedersehen Pet and Dr Kerruish in Peak Practice.

He said: "This is the first time I have been to Newport and I am having a very nice time, although the storm last night was a bit hair-raising.

"I always enjoy visiting South Wales. Last time I was down I was filming for Comic Relief."

Mr Whatley has been vice-president of NCH since November 2002. Last night he spoke at a fundraising dinner at the Celtic Manor alongside Top Gear presenter Quentin Willson.

The fundraising day involved a hole-in-one competition on two courses, sponsored by Railston and Welch of Newport, with the opportunity to win a Vauxhall Corsa.

Golfers were also competing for prizes such as longest drive, individual winner and winning team.