ALLERTHORPE Park golf club, near Pocklington, are getting ready to extend the course from 13 holes to 18.

The move marks another phase in a project begun in 1994 with nine par three holes, continued in 1996 with par four holes brought into play and then extended the present 13 two years ago.

Now the privately owned family business of John Atkinson and his son Jonathan, well-known in the Pocklington area as property owners, builders and developers, have moved forward to the next stage.

The fairways on the new five holes, seeded only four and a half months ago, are now playable, although it is only after extensive tree planting of more than 1,000 trees, will the full 18 hole course be played next spring.

The Atkinsons' are keen naturalists and have done all the landscaping planning and building with their own resources without bringing in outside help.

Wild life flourishing all over the course with many different species of birds, including kingfishers, moorhens and a large family of long-tailed tits.

"We have enjoyed bringing the course on over the last six years and now we are ready for the next stage of a project we regard as a hobby," said John.

The club continues to get increasing inquiries about membership and society days out when the full 18 holes are operational it seems certain that more will want to visit this picturesque course which measures 5,634 off the white tees (5,272 for ladies) at the moment.

Membership costs £358 (£150 joining fee) and green fees for visitors are £16.