Golf club worker dragged by buggy

A golf club worker hung on to the back of a runaway £3,500 electric buggy for 25 yards (23m) before it plummeted into a lake at a Suffolk course.

Tony Norton, 44, was using the buggy to deliver soft drinks at Brett Vale.

Mr Norton left the electric cart parked outside a storage building while he carried the crates inside.

But a gust of wind dislodged a crate which knocked off the brake and jammed down the throttle. Mr Norton grabbed hold as it ran off.

Mr Norton, who runs the pro shop at the club near Hadleigh, was dragged along the ground.

After he let go, the buggy carried on down a track for about 25 yards (23m) before careering across the fourth tee for about 50 yards and plummeting down a steep embankment into the fishing lake.

Drying out

Mr Norton, from Raydon, said: "It just shot off so I grabbed hold of it and was dragged for about 25 yards.

"I am a big lad but I had to let go and the buggy ended up in a lake.

"Several words went through my head at the time - but I better not express them. I am trying to downplay the incident."

It took more than an hour to retrieve the buggy, which is worth about £3,500, from the lake following the accident on Sunday.

"I don't know if it still works, we are just letting it dry out."

Mr Norton added: "Luckily the owner of the golf club was quite understanding."

Brett Vale's owner was unavailable for comment.