A Stockton student is taking every opportunity to practise his swing after being selected to represent England at the European Deaf Golf Championships.

Painting and decorating student, Paul Whitehouse, will be swapping his brushes for golf clubs, as he heads off to Norway as part of the England Deaf Golf Team.

“It’s unbelievable,” said the 40-year-old from Norton, who first started playing golf as a hobby when he was 12. “I never dreamed I would ever be playing for England.”

Returning to the sport as an adult, the Stockton Riverside College student has played at numerous national events, organised by England Deaf Golf, for players of all abilities.

Paul obviously impressed with his prowess on the course and was delighted to be invited to play at an international level.

One of 14 England team members due to compete in Norway this summer, he said: “I was shocked when I got the text inviting me to play for the England Deaf Golf Team.

“I have played golf for a long time and played in many different competitions, but never abroad.”

Regularly to be found playing at Billingham Golf Club, as an adult player Paul saw his handicap drop from 28 to an impressive 12. It now stands at a respectable 14.

The European Deaf Golf Championships will take place at the Hauger Golf Club in Norway from August 13 to 15.

With the support of his family and friends behind him, in particular his grandparents, Ray and Brenda Marriner, Paul hopes to get more opportunities to play for the England Deaf Golf Team.

He said: “To go on to play on the world stage would be incredible.”

The long term aim of the EDG is to work with partners to create a world-class system of golf for deaf and hard of hearing people in England, regardless of their communication needs.