The Lord Mayor stepped back in time when he and members of York Golf Club marked the start of its 125th anniversary year in Victorian style.

Cllr Ian Gillies, gents' captain Ralph Magee and lady captain Hilary Bogue used hickory clubs instead of modern golf clubs to tee off in the club's annual "drive-in".

The two captains, with the help of York Theatre Royal and a Haxby costumer, were dressed in smart Victorian golfing clothes. They found it harder to hit the ball well with the old-style clubs because their heads are smaller than those of modern clubs.

The event marked the start of a year of celebrations which will include a match with hickory clubs against a hickory golf club from Edinburgh and a £125,000 renovation of the clubhouse.

The club will raise money for York Against Cancer, which both captains have chosen as their charity for the year. It is also currently one of the Lord Mayor's charities.

"We've got a new and youthful management which has taken the place by storm," said Mr Magee. "Now it's all go here. We wish we had two golf courses we are so busy."

He added that membership was up and younger people are joining the club.