THIRTY pupils from Birkenhead will volunteer when the Open Golf returns to Hoylake next week.

The children from Birkenhead School will be carrying out a range of tasks including litter-picking, IT and media support and acting as gopher's to the world's greatest golfers.

Pupils also had the rare opportunity to hold the famous Claret Jug when representatives from The Royal Liverpool Golf Course - where the iconic event will be held from Monday - visited the school.

Andy Cross, a past pupil and governor at the school, and Captain of the Royal Liverpool when the Open was last played there in 2006, was present along with John Singleton, the 30-year-old factory worker from Wallasey who dramatically qualified for the Open after coming through a play-off last week.

Singleton provided young golfers with coaching and tips on what it takes to win a coveted place in the world’s most prestigious golf tournament.

Mr Cross, who had the honour of presenting Tiger Woods with the Claret Jug in 2006, said: “Birkenhead School is delighted to be contributing 30 pupils to the volunteer programme.

"The school has a distinguished golf history with three past pupils who are golf professionals – Sandeep Grewal, Marcus Stam and Tom Boys.

“The school volunteer programme gives young golf enthusiasts the chance to watch the world’s best golfers at close quarters, while also providing invaluable support at one of the biggest events in the sporting calendar.”

Nick Peel, chairman of the Royal Liverpool Open Championship committee, added: “The pupils involved in the school volunteer programme have a vital role to play in helping to make the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool as memorable as possible not just for the golfers but for the 200,000 or so spectators who are expected to attend the event.”