AFTER hectic campaigning and with local elections behind him, Watford Council leader Vince Muspratt will take a day off next Friday to play in the Observer Newspapers Charity Golf Day in aid of the Palace Theatre Watford Appeal.

Councillor Muspratt has joined the Harlequin Hot Shots, captained by centre manager Mr Mike Pearse, for the tournament at West Herts Golf Club.

Twenty-eight teams of four will be taking part and seven firms have sponsored holes at £100 each. Many companies have donated prizes, and family butchers I and J Brown, of Borehamwood, will provide food for the barbecue at the half-way mark.

Hole nine is sponsored by newcomers to the contest O'Keeffe Groundworks.

The Town Hall is back with the Watford Unison team. Watford FC, Asda and NatWest bank are back, as is ACI with the World Wide-boys.

Two of the town's oldest firms, Clements and Jackson's the jewellers, have combined to field a joint team. Watford Bathrooms will be playing for the first time.

Last year's newcomers and winners, Oakview Enterprises, are back to defend their title.

The general manager of Observer Newspapers, Mr Frank McCaffrey, is joining the host team for the first time.

'I'm only a hacker, but I have heard so many nice things about playing in the golf day, I couldn't resist the invitation to join the team,' he said.

For management consultants Deacon Rossett, the day seemed the perfect way to entertain clients.

Mr Russell Deane, captain the first-time team, said: 'It is good to be able to spend time and be able to talk in a relaxed atmosphere. We also wanted to support the Palace.'

Custom Golf Stix decided the Golf Day would be a good way to meet people. Mr Kevin Redfern, European clubmaker of the year, and his business partner, Mr Richard Drake, travel worldwide to demonstrate their craft and have recently created golf clubs to be sold in Chelsea football club's supporters' shop.

Both are members of Chorleywood Golf Club, whose lady vice-captain, Mrs Frances Watson, is bringing a team from London accountancy firm Begbies and Traynor.

She and her guest, Clare Aldridge, are two of only six ladies taking part. The Birdies, from Sarratt, return for the third time.