Primary school children in Wirral are gearing up on the "Road to The Open" by taking part in a specially-designed golf tournament.

On Tuesday, 12 teams from six local primary schools will compete in a mini-golf championship at New Brighton Mini Championship Golf Course.

Each team will take the name of a world-famous competitor at this year’s Open, which begins on July 17 at Hoylake’s Royal Liverpool Golf Club.

Teams have been selected following sessions in golf technique and etiquette, led by the course’s owner Nick Ashfield.

They face 18 holes of mini-golf, with prizes to be awarded for the lowest single golf score and the combined team score.

Prizes include a trophy and a bag of golf goodies, provided by the R&A, who are responsible for the organisation of the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool.

Bernard Cassidy, headteacher of Mount Primary School, said: “We are all excited about the Open Championship returning to Wirral this summer.

"It is by far the biggest sporting event that takes place in the borough. Working with Wirral council’s Neil Price and the staff at the Championship golf course, we have been really pleased to give the children some experience of the game of golf.

“We are very grateful to the R&A who have provided prizes for the tournament and the Golf Foundation for inviting our children to the Open with the opportunity of some further golf coaching.

"The children have enjoyed themselves tremendously and taken to the techniques and spirit of golf. We look forward to some friendly competition next week.”

Duncan Weir, R&A executive director, said: “The Open is bringing the excitement of world-class golf right onto the doorstep of these school pupils.

“By working with Wirral Council and Royal Liverpool Golf Club, we are leaving a lasting legacy by introducing children to a sport they can enjoy for the rest of their lives.

“For some, it could even be the beginning of a journey that leads to playing in the Open themselves one day.”

The six Wallasey primary schools taking part in the tournament are Greenleas, Liscard, Mount, New Brighton, St George's and St Peter and Paul's.