Four golfers have played Scotland's six Open golf championships in one day to raise thousands of pounds for autistic children.

The amateur players chose the longest day of the year to play the 108 holes in aid of the Sick Kids Friends Foundation.

It is hoped more than �20,000 will be raised to help patients from all over Scotland who attend a special autism clinic at the Edinburgh Sick Kids hospital.

As the golfers undertook the challenge, a report was published by the Scottish Executive which said that the number of children diagnosed with autism attending primary schools rose by 18.5% last year.

A total of 653 pupils were found to have the condition in 2001, compared to 551 in 2000.

Colin Montgomerie is lending his support

The Edinburgh clinic is seeing an increasing number of children with the condition and the proceeds of the golfing event will be used to pay for specialised toys to improve diagnosis and video gear to help train staff.

Mark Little, who came up with the idea, said: "This is an incredibly tough challenge. The Sick Kids Friends Foundation is a terrific organisation, which we're delighted to support.

"Autism is an increasing problem and an enormous amount of research still needs to be done to understand it more fully.

"We hope to have fun but at the same time contribute a little to a better future for autistic children and their families."

Helicopter transport

Mr Little, who has a handicap of seven, is joined by Mike Balfour (handicap eight), Alan Williams (six) and Chris Cowan (two).

They used a donated helicopter to travel between the courses and were playing - in a two-ball foursomes format without caddies - over a total distance of about 50,000 yards (approximately 28 miles).

They teed-off at 0400BST at Carnoustie, before playing St Andrews, Royal Troon, Turnberry and Prestwick.

Sam Torrance sent his best wishes

With a maximum of 2.5 hours for each course the foursome began their final round at 1830BST at Muirfield.

It is believed to be the first time the challenge has been attempted and they have been sent encouragement by three of Scotland's top golfers - Sam Torrance, Colin Montgomerie and Andrew Oldcorn.

Sam Torrance said: "You must all be mad, and I am glad that you did not ask me to caddy!

"I am sure that you will have fun and I hope you raise as much money as possible."

Monty's backing

Colin Montgomerie said: "What a challenge - if you manage to pull it off it really will be one for the record books as well as raising money for such a worthwhile cause."

Andrew Oldcorn said: "Having played all of these golf courses myself I wouldn't mind joining them... although I doubt very much I'm fit enough, which makes their effort all the more commendable... and one which receives my wholehearted support.

St Andrews golf course is on their itinerary

"I wish the guys all the luck in the world and hope they enjoy their drink at the end of it all."

Meanwhile, a leading member of the Church of Scotland has recommended regular rounds of golf to ministers as a way of relaxing and meeting people.

Former moderator the Very Reverend Jim Simpson wrote in the latest issue of the Kirk's magazine, Life and Work, that his love of the game enriched his ministry.

Mr Simpson twice captained a successful Kirk team in its annual match with the Church of England.