England's oldest golf course has become the first to ban plastic tees over fears they are being eaten by wildlife.

The Royal North Devon Golf Club, near Bideford, took the decision at a recent committee meeting to only allow wooden tees.

It said "plastic tees are more likely to harm the birds and animals we share our wonderful course with".

The golf club is located on common land that is grazed by sheep and horses, and it adjoins Westward Ho! beach.

From 1 January 2020 the shop at the club will only sell wooden tees and extra "tee bins" are being provided on the course.

A statement from the club on the matter said: "The Committee have agreed that from January 1, plastic tees will not be allowed on the golf course.

"We have all seen golf tees lying around the course, both wooden and plastic. The simple fact is that plastic tees are more likely to harm the birds and animals we share our wonderful course with.

"The greenkeepers will also tell you that they can do a great deal more harm to their equipment than a wooden tee.

"So from the start of the new decade we would like all golfers to only use wooden tees and the Pro Shop will only supply wooden tees.