VAN driver Jason Ashton earns a living out of delivering the goods.

And now he's appealing to local companies to follow suit in a bid to help him make the grade as a professional golfer.

The 28-year-old former Harold Ryden winner turned pro over the winter after a brilliant display in the European Tour School in Spain.

But lack of sponsorship is threatening to cut short his career unless a local company can step forward and save the day.

"It's very difficult at the moment because I'm competing against players who practice all day, every day while I'm lucky if I can get an hour in when I can.

"I think it's giving them at least a four shots per round adavantage."

But Ashton has still made a great start to his debut season as a pro. In Spain, he finished a highly creditible 60th in the Tour School and the majority of those who finished above him were all full-time professionals.

And he has qualified to play on the high profile Mastercard Tour this season.

He has also got dates on the Futures and Players Tours lined up over the summer.

Now he needs sponsorship so he can concentrate on his game full time.

If anyone can help, then please call Jason on 01254 698405.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.