CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A RELAXING game of golf turned into a police chase for one officer rewarded at Wednesday's police awards event.

Sgt Pete Sparrow, then a PC, was enjoying a round of golf with two other off duty officers at Kingsdown Golf Course, Corsham, in April 2002 when he spotted two youths being pursued by club staff.

PCs Lee Armit and Matt Armstrong set off in pursuit of the pair while Sgt Sparrow returned to the club to get details and pick up a car.

Sgt Sparrow said: "I don't see that I have done anything more than we should do but it is nice to be recognised.

"I was having such a lousy round of golf that I was quite relieved to be able to throw down the clubs.

"You don't really think about it, you just react to the situation and do what you have to do."

The two offenders, who had stolen alcohol and cigarettes from the club, were chased across the golf course and the driving range before reaching South Wraxall Road.

They had armed themselves with stones and a knife but, after a struggle, the officers were able to arrest them.

Later on, property was found nearby relating to two house burglaries.

While the two offenders were taken into custody Sgt Sparrow remained at the club to take statements, despite being off duty.