A youngster from Keighley has made her debut in a senior competition at Branshaw Golf Club.

Francesca Buxton, 11, played in the Valentine Scramble and helped her team to a runner-up finish.

The four-person side, competing in the event in mid-February, also included Francesca's father Richard Buxton, who is very proud of his daughter's performance.

He said: "She is quite a natural. I've only showed her the basics and she's taken to it herself." He said that he only bought Francesca a set of golf clubs just a few months ago and he is in the process of teaching her about golf etiquette.

Golfing runs in Francesca's veins - Richard has been a Branshaw member for 26 years, joining at nine. Her grandfather, Phil Buxton, has captained the club three times.

Richard is also urging parents to get their children involved in golf. "We need to encourage younger generations to start playing the game. It's not an old-fashioned sport anymore," he said.

"It's fantastic to start learning and at least you'll know where your children are all day."