ONLY early risers, insomniacs and the resident wildlife were around when four Canterbury golfers launched their bid to raise £5,000 in a day for charity.

Chris Oddy, Adrian Wicken, Paul Henley and professional Danny Maude teed off at the crack of dawn on Thursday in an attempt to complete 72 holes by the end of the day.

And if they are successful in their marathon trek around the undulating Canterbury course, they are guaranteed to hit their target and achieve the highest sum to be raised in a single day in Kent for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The quartet are taking part in the nationwide Colin Montgomery Longest Day Challenge, so named because the event is taking place on the longest day of the year.

Oddy said: "We need all the light we can get if we are to get round the course four times."

In addition to sponsorship, proceeds will be boosted by an auction of golfing items that will run throughout the day, with bids published and updated in the Canterbury clubhouse.

Many of the items have been donated and endorsed by European Tour professionals.

Macmillan's Kent Community fundraiser, Grant Chapman explained that the money raised from the day will help Macmillan Cancer Support to provide practical, medical, emotional and financial support for people affected by cancer.

He said that the charity was indebted to Oddy and his golfing partners: "Chris has been fantastic and has really pulled out all the stops to make this event a success," said Mr Chapman.

"The auction items he has been given are amazing and we would like to thank everyone who has supported Chris and his team, particularly Chris himself."