Police hope TV show encourages recruits

More should be done to encourage people to play golf and enjoy its many health benefits, an international panel of experts has concluded.

Researchers found that playing the sport regularly is linked to better physical and mental health and a longer lifespan.

Lead researcher Dr Andrew Murray from Edinburgh University said: “Golfers stand to gain physical health, mental health and longevity benefits by playing the sport regularly.

“We advise golfers to play often, to walk the course and to warm up properly, which can help improve their score and decrease the chance of injury.”

The study is published to coincide with this week’s Ryder Cup and appears in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Counter-terror police hope the Bodyguard TV drama inspires a new generation of officers – but warned aspiring recruits the onscreen action is divorced from reality.

Thousands are said to have flocked to the Counter Terror Police recruitment page as a result of the political thriller series, which sees a personal protection officer assigned to guard a power-hungry home secretary and which concluded on BBC1 last night. Senior figures hope younger, tech-savvy recruits can be persuaded to join the fight against real-life terrorist plots, and the force has sought to capitalise by posting on social media during episodes.

The UK’s most senior female counter-terrorism officer, Lucy D’Orsi, said: “We have seen thousands of people visiting our recruitment page as a result of Bodyguard and although the drama stretches reality to the limit, the programme does capture the passion and drive of our officers and staff.”

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Ray said large teams are involved in guarding key figures – unlike the lone figure cut by the fictional lead character David Budd.

He said: “It’s fair to say you wouldn’t last long in our team if you cross the line to form too close a relationship with the principal you were protecting.”

The series ended last night with a twist revealing who was responsible for the death of Home Secretary Julia Montague.

The six-part Jed Mercurio political thriller concluded with a revelation about the blast which killed Keeley Hawes’s character.

Also in last night’s episode, David Budd finally presents himself for counselling for PTSD, and the finale hinted at a happy ending for the bodyguard and his wife

Richard Madden plays David Budd in Bodyguard which is inspiring – but perhaps not so totally accurate