A teenager who had his golf club stolen got the surprise of his life when US Open champion Michael Campbell stepped in to give him a new one.

Thomas Coppard, 13, of Church Road, Portslade, received a telephone call from Mr Campbell, ranked 16th in the world, after he heard about the theft.

He visited his sporting hero at his home yesterday to pick up the putter and got the chance to hoist the US Open trophy.

Brighton-based Kiwi Mr Campbell beat world number one Tiger Woods to win the competition, his first major championship, in June.

Thomas was forced to drop out of a tournament after a £85 putter he had saved his pocket money to buy was stolen while at Waterhall Golf Club in Saddlescombe Road. Brighton, a fortnight ago.

He tested out the putter, inscribed with Mr Campbell's nickname, Cambo, at the course yesterday.

He said: "It was amazing. It was much lighter and much easier."

Mr Campbell heard about the lost club when one of his friends read about Thomas in The Argus.

Thomas said: "I was very shocked. Michael was very friendly and very kind. I think we will stay in touch.

"I would love to be a golfer. I have wanted to be for about two years. I play every day if I can - sometimes for 12 hours."

After presenting Thomas with the club Mr Campbell jetted off to a tournament in Germany.

Julie Campbell, his wife, said: "Michael rang me and sent me off to the room where he keeps his spare clubs and directed me to the putter. It's nice because it was only a small thing for him to do but it had such a big impact. Michael was only in the country for 12 hours as he had just come back from China but he wanted to squeeze it in.

"When he came back into the house after meeting Thomas he was pretty chuffed at how excited he had been."

Thomas's grandmother Sandra Washer, 60, of St Michael's Road, Portslade, said meeting the golf star had been a dream come true for her grandson.

She said: "I will cherish the look on his face when he met him and lifted the trophy for the rest of my life. He said we can come back and see him when we get the pictures developed so he can sign them.

"Thomas was so excited when we pulled up to his house. He was absolutely awe-struck and I don't think it's quite sunk in even now. Mr Campbell was really laid-back and friendly."

Thomas also received offers of new clubs from several people and was given money off at the American golf discount centre in Royal George Parade, Shoreham. He will now be able to enter the tournament he had to cancel when he lost his club. Mrs Washer said: "We are so grateful to everyone who has been so kind."