A PROGRESSIVE Lake District school is putting itself a fair way ahead of the competition after introducing an unusual subject to the curriculum.

Golf will now be taught every week at Grasmere Primary School for the next four years.

The announcement comes after Windermere Golf Club chairman, Cliff Heath, has been coaching year three and four children regularly since November.

The children at the Stock Lane school have enjoyed driving, chipping and putting so much that headteacher Johanna Goode has decided that the sport has to stay on the school's agenda.

“We are so grateful to Cliff for giving up his free time to provide the children with his expertise and guidance,” said Ms Goode.

“The children have thoroughly enjoyed their golf experience and we are looking forward to taking them onto the next stage of their development. Golf is a fantastic sport on so many levels. In particular, the children have learned how to compete on their own, whilst also working with one another.”

Windermere Golf Club has put significant efforts into developing the ‘junior drive’ over the past 12 months, with a large number of initiatives put in place to encourage local youngsters to take up golf.

In addition to coaching pupils at Grasmere School, Cliff has also been aiding the youngsters at Hawkshead Primary School.

"I am absolutely delighted that Grasmere School have chosen to continue and develop their golf learning and it’s been a pleasure to watch their improvements over the past six months," he said.

“2015 is going to be a big year for Windermere Golf Club in terms of encouraging our local youngsters into the sport."

"This is by no means the end of our involvement, but merely the beginning of what we hope will be a long and lasting relationship, not just with Grasmere but with all the schools we are working with.

"The next step will see us provide opportunities for the teaching staff to deliver lesson plans, with less direct involvement from us, but support when required. We very much look forward to welcoming the children into our club when the time comes.”