A golf day to raise money for cancer charities in memory of top Gwent golf administrator Mike Cole was a huge success last weekend.

Around £7,000 is likely to have been raised from the day, a tribute to Mike, who was president of the Welsh Golf Union and a champion of boys' golf in Gwent for many years.

The event was staged at Tredegar Park Golf Club and featured European Tour players Bradley Dredge and David Park as well as a host of top amateur players including Chepstow's Liam Bond.

Monmouthshire's David Park fired the joint best score of the day with a 69, but he lost out on the winners prize as amateur Chris Mayo, who also shot 69, had enjoyed a more profitable back nine.

The winning team were Robert Ware and Co. who came home with a total of 128.

The golf was followed by a charity auction where items such as a baseball cap signed by the majority of Bernhard Langer's victorious Ryder Cup side and a signed Alan Shearer shirt were put under the hammer. Mike Cole's son Gareth, who organised the day, was delighted it had been so successful.

He said: It was a very enjoyable and exciting day and the feedback we have had has been excellent.

"We are trying to work out the final figures but we are expecting to have raised about £7,000 and that money will go to a variety of charities, including, Kidney Research, Cancer Research UK, St. Anne's Hospice and St. David's Hospice.

"So many people contributed to a wonderful day and I can't thank them enough."

Blackwood's Bradley Dredge was proud to be associated with the event and he thoroughly enjoyed himself. He told the Argus: "It was a great day and I really enjoyed the opportunity of going down and lending my support.

"It was nice to be able to help out and also to catch up with so many old friends, it really wasn't a problem for me, although the weather and my own golf could have been a lot better!

"I am really glad so much money was raised and I hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as I did."

Anyone wishing to make donations in memory of Mike Cole should send them to Gareth Cole, 3 Allt-Yr-Yn Close, Newport, NP20 5ED.