MORE than 100 golfers have already accepted the invitation to spend a day in friendly battle and fly their firms' flags in support of local charity at the annual Observer Newspapers Charity Golf Day.

The event will be held at West Herts Golf Club on Friday, May 11.

It will launch a £675,000 project to create a new base for the Reach Out Project at Nash Mills and in doing so will help to enhance the environment along the Grand Union Canal by turning an old dump site into a welcoming purpose-built boat facility with a proper reception area and ramps for wheelchairs.

Reach Out Projects operates three boats that are equipped for people of all ages with special needs and disabilities.

The boats are ship shape, the work supported by 78 volunteers but the operation is still run from a second hand portable building which was donated to the project 23 years ago.

Planning permission has been granted for improved facilities and initial funding obtained for the groundworks.

By the time charitable golfers swing into action at West Herts Golf Club in May work should be underway on stage one, preparation of groundworks and provision of a ramp.

Since it began 11 years ago, Observer Newspapers' Charity Golf Day has proved a popular get-together for local business people.

"It is an ideal and reasonably priced way to entertain clients and a good way to meet other local business people," said Don Bailey, former captain at West Herts and co-organiser of the event.

He added that most of the chosen charities are run by volunteers, who may be desperate for a helping hand but too busy doing the work to publicise the charity.

He said: "This year's charity was in fact brought to our attention by a regular supporter at last year's golf day."

Leading the field in securing a place for this year's contest was the Unison 1 team from Watford Town Hall, who won the trophy and Front Page award last year.

So far NatWest Bank has entered three teams, John Lewis A and B teams are back and the Harlequin Hot Shots, Hamerville Magazines and MAB Hackers (Matthew Arnold and Baldwin Solicitors) are among the 26 firms who so far have signed up for the fun golf day on the local links.

Firms who wish to enter a team of four (£270), sponsor a hole (£100), donate prizes or advertise in the souvenir programme can telephone co-organiser Grelle White on 01923 772092 for details.