YOUNGSTERS competed in an inaugural bowls game as councillors try to promote the sport in Egremont.

St Bridget's pupils triumphed over Bookwell School during the children's first taste of bowls.

Egremont Town Council, which leases the bowling green to Egremont Bowls Club, organised the event. It hopes to involve other schools in the town in the future.

Coun Jacqui Smith, who organised the game, said: "It was fantastic, the children did brilliant and everyone enjoyed it. St Bridget's won by 30 points to Bookwell's 18 points and all the kids got medals for playing and a little present off me.

"Jim Wise from the bowls club presented them with their medals. It was lovely to see the different ages all together, I loved it."

A trophy will be presented to the winning school each year. It will be named in honour of town council clerk Margaret Woodburn, who will step down in the coming months, and has offered to cover the cost.

Recently, the town council agreed to play against the bowls club in an effort to raise the game's profile.

This followed Sellafield apprentices revamping the club by giving the building a new lick of paint and collecting rubbish. It was part of plans to encourage younger people to get involved.

The day-to-day running and maintenance of the green is usually carried out by volunteers from Egremont Bowls Club.