Nick Randall, James Sykes, Andy Pybus and Richard Rhodes took to Scarthingwell Golf Course near Tadcaster just before 4.30am last Friday to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Nick said: "It was a lovely start on a beautiful morning, quite hot and sunny. We all started quite well, some a bit slower than others as they woke up.

"People were generous on the day. They were giving us money as we went round and collecting at the club house."

The first two rounds were completed by 10.30am but, as tired backs and sore feet hampered progress, the third and fourth rounds took longer.

Also helping to raise funds on the day were Aberford Primary School, where all four golfers have children as pupils.

And James's employer, Barclaycard, contributed £750 to bring the total raised for Macmillan to almost £3,000.

The four men are now considering more fundraising opportunities. Among the possibilities is playing a round of golf in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland over two days.

Nick said: "We've all got the taste for it. It was such a rewarding experience that we all thought we should do something else. It's a very good cause. Cancer is something that most people's lives get touched by either directly or indirectly."

To donate go to http://www.justgiving.co.uk/thefantasticfore.