A GOLFER raised £120,000 for charity by completing a 6,768-hole round taking in every course in Scotland.

Bernard Wood, of Richmond Avenue, Haslingden, completed all 376 18-hole golf courses north of the border in just under 12 months.

And the £118,420 he raised went to the Francis House Children's Hospice, which has received widespread publicity thanks to the bravery and courage of young Kirsty Howard.

The 10-year-old has famously been supported by David Beckham and Tony Blair, and was at Rossendale Golf Club to receive the cheque.

The 59-year-old charity golfer's tough challenge began at Powfoot, Dumfriesshire, and took him to some of the most famous courses in Scotland including St Andrews, Carnoustie and Turnberry.

The father-of-four, who started playing in 1984 and has a handicap of 17, took time out from his job as partner in a holiday home business.

He said: "I consider myself the luckiest man in the world having been raised within a loving family and being even more fortunate in being married to the most supportive wife.

"We have been blessed with four fantastic children and been lucky enough to operate our own business.

"Francis House has always been close to my heart and the opportunity to support the Kirsty Appeal was a privilege.

"The whole experience was an experience of a lifetime.

"It was remarkable to be able to do it and I'm thankful that I was able to keep fit and well throughout the whole year."

Little Kirsty continues to defy medical prognosis. Her heart is back to front so all other organs are misplaced.

She has a single pumping chamber heart and has had nine cardiac procedures. Her day-to-day living is severely restricted by abnormal blood vessels developing in her lung and five years ago she was given just six weeks to live.

But, despite being terminally ill, she has raised over £4.6 million for the hospice.

Campaign co-ordinator Susie Mathis, added: "We have been astounded by the support of so many people but this is a very special story. Bernard has given so much.

"We congratulate Bernard who, like Kirsty, has exceeded all expectations."