A hole in one at the Oxfordshire Golf Club has left more than just one golfer smiling.

The shot played by football agent Colin Gibson at the Michael Lynagh Celebrity Golf Classic helped earn two children's charities more than £33,000 each. Mr Gibson, a former Manchester United defender, pulled off the feat at the fifth hole of the course near Thame during the event hosted by Australian rugby legend Michael Lynagh.

The hole in one challenge was sponsored by Porsche with the prize being a car worth £40,000. The car will be sold and the profits split between Rosy (Respite nursing for Oxfordshire's Sick Youngsters) and national charity Sparks.

The money will be added to the £27,000 raised on the day through sponsorship and an auction. Mr Gibson said he was "flabbergasted" by the tricky 150-yard par three over-water shot. He said: "I couldn't believe it. It was the first and probably the last hole in one of my life. It was a great feeling to pull the big one off for two great charity causes."

Rosy provides home care for terminally ill children. Nurses' duties range from administering medicine through to providing much- needed support for families.

George Hedges, chairman of Rosy, welcomed the cash boost.

He said: "We had a fantastic day, which raised a tremendous amount. We will put the money towards paying for one-and-a-half nurses for a year. Most of the terminally ill children in Oxfordshire can be nursed at home now, which is what we all want."

In the four years it has been running, Rosy has raised more than £400,000. The golf days, of which Wednesday's was the third, have so far generated about £150,000. Other celebrities at the event included actor Robert Powell, athlete Kriss Akabusi and former footballer Bruce Grobbelaar.

To make a donation to Rosy, visit www.rosy. org.uk or call 01865 848696.