EAST Thurrock MP Stephen Metcalfe has backed a call from golfers for courses to remain open during the new lockdown which begins later this week.

Though PM Boris Johnson said the benefits of outdoor recreation were recognised and said it was OK for people to exercise in the open, somewhat bizarrely he ruled out golf - and other small group activities and sports including tennis.

That immediately prompted the launch of a nationwide online petition which quickly gained almost quarter of a million signatures calling for golf courses to remain open.

That should spark a debate on the matter in the House of Commons and Mr Metcalfe says he would certainly support keeping courses - but not clubhouses - open, as was the case when the first national lockdown rules were relaxed in May.

He said: "I completely understand golfers' views. I was on a call yesterday with the Health Secretary Matt Hancock where this issue came up.  I understand that it may well be reviewed.

"Obviously clubhouses will have to close, but I see no reason why the course itself needs to.

"I hope someone can see sense on this and on other outdoor sports like tennis."