TWO Chipping Sodbury golfers swung into action to make dreams come true for people with learning disabilities and autism.

Several years ago, Denise and George Eland were shopping in a supermarket where people supported by learning disability charity Brandon Trust were helping customers to pack their bags at the tills, and collecting donations.

They were so impressed by the people they met and chatted to, that they decided they wanted to help raise more money for the Brandon Dream Fund - a pot of money set up to help make dreams a reality for people with disabilities.

At the time, Denise and George were captains of their area's bowls teams, and set about organising various events, initially raising £1,000.

Motivated by their success, and driven on by their belief in the good work of the charity, they continued their fundraising efforts for Brandon when in February 2017, they became ladies and men's captains at Chipping Sodbury Golf Club and were able to choose a charity to support during their year's captaincy.

They arranged a variety of activities and events, including cake bakes and sales, raffles, serving refreshments at the course's 'half-way house' at the ninth hole, open days, and golf competitions.

The golf club's professional player, who offers golf tuition to members, also donated some of the fees for his services.

In total they raised an amazing £6,500 during their year's reign.

George said: "Denise and I had a great time in our year as lady captain and myself as senior captain at Chipping Sodbury Golf Club.

"The charity we chose to support was Brandon Trust. It was our absolute pleasure, that gave us enormous satisfaction in being able to help in some small way."

Peter Nicholls, trust and foundations manager at Brandon Trust, said: "The Brandon Dream Fund has received a huge cash boost from the amazing efforts led by Denise and George.

"We'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you for all their hard work and efforts, and the generosity of those who have contributed.

"It means that people we support can get financial help to fulfil dreams and ambitions which simply would not be possible otherwise. Dreams funded so far include life-changing assistive technology, once-in-a-lifetime holidays, and summer camps for kids."