The DEC Tsunami Earthquake Appeal will be boosted by around £40,000 after the Leaderboard Group of golf courses offered free golf to fundraisers.

The group has a fine track record with fundraising and recently donated almost £30,000 for the BBC's Children in Need appeal.

All four courses within the group, including Sandford Springs near Overton in Hampshire, are already planning fundraising golf days which they anticipate will raise £20,000.

But the group's owners, Paul and Jennifer Gibbons, have decided to go a step further in order to raise even more funds.

Leaderboard golf courses are to give up two days a week, during February, absolutely free of green fees to any organisation wishing to hold a golf day to raise funds for the DEC Tsunami Earthquake Appeal.

Gibbons said: "This is a unique tragedy which has pulled at the heartstrings of everybody on the planet.

"Everybody wants to help in some way or other and we are fortunate in that we can offer a first-class facility for the use of active fundraisers, by way of a small contribution.

"It is an opportunity to appreciate what we take for granted while helping those less fortunate.

For more information or pictures of any of the Leaderboard courses contact Pete Richardson, Dave Bowers or Lee Todd on 08700 330 550 or 07786 238920.

Or email: pete@peterichardsoncommunications.com, dave@peterichardsoncommunications.com or lee@peterichardsoncommunications.com.