GOLFERS can play with the pros and hit a hole in one for needy young people next month.

The Prince's Trust is holding its first Charity ProAm Golf day on October 1 to raise funds to support disadvantaged young people in Kent.

Teams of three are invited to take part in the event at the Marriott Tudor Park Hotel and Country Club's championship golf course at Bearsted.

The South East Regional Professional Golfers Association will provide a golf professional to become the fourth member of each team.

The Kent Messenger is sponsoring two holes, and representatives will be giving out free golf balls to competitors on the day. Kent-based New Way Wines will provide many of the prizes.

There will also be a raffle and an auction, with items including a weekend break, a helicopter ride and several rounds of golf donated by other Kent businesses. It is hoped bidders will raise up to £5,000 for the Prince's Trust.

The charity exists to help young people overcome their barriers and get their lives working. Through practical support including training, mentoring and financial assistance, it helps 14 to 30-year-olds realise their full potential and transform their lives.

The trust focuses its efforts on young people who have struggled at school, have been in care, are long-term unemployed or have been in trouble with the law.

Since the charity was founded by HRH Prince of Wales in 1976, it has helped nearly half a million young people.

Ron Dunham, general manager for the Prince's Trust, Kent and Medway, said: "In Kent alone last year, more than 1,000 young people were helped in a variety of ways to find a direction that would help them contribute to society and make them feel valued.

"With more financial support we could help even more young people to get their lives working."

Entry for each team of three is £500. Individuals are welcome to join in, and may be placed with others in a team. Entries need to be in by Friday, September 24.