ARE the dark winter mornings and nights getting you down? What better way to lift your mood than entering the 16th Kent Messenger Sunshine Challenge and winning an all-expenses paid golf holiday to the sun-soaked Algarve.

The Challenge has become established as one of the most popular of its kind in the country.

The Kent Messenger Group champion will fly to Portugal for a seven-day trip from November 4 to 11 where you will also compete for a break for two at the luxurious Penina Golf Resort in Portugal.

But first you have to battle through several rounds of matchplay locally.

Numerous previous winners, along with runners-up, have enjoyed an unforgettable experience among hundreds of golfers and non-golfers who have joined the trip.

They include last year’s KM champion Steve Lovell. The five-handicapper, who plays at Sittingbourne Golf Club, was in excellent form in Portugal and also won the national title.

It is open to all golfers who hold a club handicap. Men play off a maximum 24 and ladies 36.

Thanks to the support of tournament sponsors Bill Goff, entry is just £15 and with confirmation of your entry, you will receive a free Greg Norman golf shirt.

Competitors drawn at home will have a choice of venue. Green fees will be shared equally between the two players.

Home for the stay in Portugal will be the Tivoli Hotel Almansor in Carvoeiro. Also included in the package worth £650 is free car hire, practice round and entry into a four-ball betterball competition.

The runner-up will receive a £250 golf holiday voucher which can be used toward the trip with the beaten semi-finalists picking up a £50 voucher.

* See your local KM newspaper for an entry form.