For amateur golfer Rob Spence, qualifying for the British Masters would not only be a career highlight, but it would also provide the perfect birthday present.

Spence, who is from Walney and is a member of Furness Golf Club, will attempt to qualify in next Monday's event at Close House, near Newcastle, when he tees off at 12:20pm.

He's had to wait because of the qualifiers being postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, but should he get through he'll make it to the Masters, which starts at the same venue on July 22, the day Spence turns 40 years old.

Spence, who is a crane driver with BAE Systems, said: "I haven't had much chance to get out on the course, though I'm not one for long practices.

"I've played in competitions for the last couple of weekends where I've just tried to get back into the swing of things."

Spence plays off a handicap of +3 and had come off a successful 2019, where he represented Cumbria and won the Pines Trophy.

He'll be playing near some famous faces in qualifying, as Newcastle United and England legend Alan Shearer is taking part, as well as footballer Lee Cattermole and Sam Westwood, the son of former world number one Lee Westwood, who is hosting the Masters.

Spence wishes to thank wife Nicola, sons Tyler and Harvey, stepdaughters Chloe and Ellie and sponsors Ste and Zoe Hare for their support.