Prince Andrew has been in Sandwich this week hosting The Duke of York Young Champions Trophy.

The competition is at The Princes Golf Club in Princes Drive, Sandwich Bay, until Friday.

The Duke of York is a patron and co-founder of the 54 hole stroke play tournament which started today (Wednesday).

It sees already successful 18-year-olds from around the world compete against each other.

His Royal Highness said in a statement on its website: “It is through this sort of competition that future great golfers, both professional and amateur, will be identified and encouraged.

“There are so many talented young sports people and I am determined to assist with their endeavours.”

The Royal was first spotted getting out of a helicopter in Sandwich Bay by Walmer resident Steve Miles on Tuesday afternoon.

He said: “Just doing a bit of birding at the Restharrow Scrape when this helicopter landed in the adjacent field - this is in the middle of nowhere.

“Two Land Rovers including a couple of heavies drove off towards Sandwich.

“The helicopter is William & Kate’s used by other royals.”

The competition has been running for a number of years and is supported by R&A, the governing body of golf.

It also aims to encourage the progression of junior golf in established and developing golf countries.

For more pictures and a full report, pick up a copy of the East Kent Mercury, out next Thursday.