A BRADFORD golfer got in the swing for next year's Special Olympics National Summer Games by winning a qualifying competition in the West Midlands.

Mark Rhodes, from Eccleshill, won the nine-hole contest at Bromsgrove Golf Centre and is now looking forward to the showpiece event in Sheffield next August.

The 32-year-old carded a score of 59 to come top in the best ability category featuring players from the Midlands, Wales, Cheshire and southern counties.

His mum Janet said: "We are not a golfing family but a few years ago Mark took up the sport and has attended two or three Special Olympic competitions each year since 2009.

"He has worked hard to learn and practise his golf. I am so proud of him and hope his success encourages other people with disabilities to try the sport."

Mark became interested in golf thanks to coach Andy Watmuff, who runs All Teed Up tuition company.

He has overseen his development with coaching at Rawdon Golf Club, where Mark is a member, and Ghyll Beck Golf Driving Range.

Mark will be part of the Bradford Disability Sport and Leisure athletic squad taking part in Sheffield next August.

The Special Olympics National Summer Games take place every four years and will be the country’s largest multi-sports event in 2017 for athletes with intellectual disabilities.