A Whitehaven woman has made history by becoming her bowling club’s first female solo president – after 120 years.

Beatrice Ross, 51, has been playing at Whitehaven since she was 11 and says she is delighted to be named first lady to become the club's overall president.

“There was always a separate male president and a female president, and now the role has been amalgamated,” said Beatrice, of Homewood Road.

“That’s the way bowling is going around the country: joining up the male and female sides of the sport, which helps to keep it going.”

Beatrice, a domestic worker at the nearby West Cumberland Hospital, was introduced to the sport – and the Whitehaven club – by her parents, Andy and Catherine, who both played.

“My dad really got me into it, and although I’ve gone away a few times, I’ve always come back,” she said.

Beatrice has played at county level, and has enjoyed visiting places and meeting people all over the country. She plays between two and four times a week locally.

“It’s a really great activity that anyone, of any age or any ability, can play,” she said.

“You can come back from work, and chill out with a lovely game of bowls. It’s a good laugh, and you build great friendships over the years.”

Whitehaven Bowling Club, based off Coach Road, held an open day on Saturday in which players new and old tried their hand.

For more information about the club or to find out about joining, call John Wilson on 07771 212623.