GOLFERS shivered in the early morning frost as they donned green tights at the traditional inauguration of their new club captain.

John Wade dressed as Robin Hood to ride a hobby horse to the 10th tee of the Woodford Golf Club in Sunset Avenue, Woodford Green at 8am on Sunday morning.

He was followed by other golfers dressed as the Merry Men where they performed a comedy sketch before the new captain teed off.

The eccentric ceremony is a longstanding tradition at the club, which was formed in 1890, and previous captains have dressed as Roman emperors and Victorian cab drivers.

Mr Wade, 74, said: “It was a bit chilly out there, but we had a nice whisky and a bacon butty before we went out so we were all in good spirits.

“It’s an honour to captain this great club.”