A BOWLING club will hold an open day this month as it looks to attract new members in order to stay open.

Egremont Town Bowling Club is searching for new players and will open its doors to visitors on Saturday, April 22.

The bowling green, which can be found at the north end of the town with access from Howbank Road, is run in partnership between Egremont Town Council and the bowling club.

Club secretary Melville Cowin said: "Not many people seem to be aware that Egremont has a public bowling green that has been in use since 1982.

"The bowling green provides people living in the Egremont area with a pleasant way of making new friends and keeping active but unless the club gets new members and more use is made of this facility it cannot survive."

The council owns the clubhouse and pays the ground rent while day to day running costs are met from members subscriptions and rink fees.

Club volunteers cut and maintain the green and its borders and open the premises on a daily basis. The green is open from 2pm to 6pm, seven days a week from the last week in April until mid September.

It offers free tasters sessions to potential players, as long as young people are accompanied by an adult.

While last year, the club held a successful school competition between Bookwell Primary School and St Bridget's Catholic Primary School. This is expected to go ahead in 2017, with more schools and youth groups invited to take part.

A trophy, named in honour of former town council clerk Margaret Woodburn, is presented to the winning side.

The club also held a match between members and town councillors last year and a rematch has been organised for Sunday, May 7.

Sellafield apprentices have also helped out at the club by giving the building a new lick of paint and collecting rubbish.

Egremont Town Bowling Club competes in a Mixed Triples League against other West Cumbrian sides on Tuesday evenings and holds friendlies at weekends.