THE region's top bowls players are competing for a place in the world championships from close to home.

About 120 male and female players from the North-East and Scotland are bidding to qualify during a six-day tournament in County Durham.

The qualifier is split between bowling clubs in Stanley, which has been a venue for the past five years, and Durham City, which is hosting the contest for the first time.

Just one slot in the engage International Open is up for grabs, along with places in the Welsh and Scottish Opens.

Martin Gale, who is helping run the qualifier, said: "There is some real talent in this area. The event's going well."

Among the players tipped for success is David Bolt, from Sunderland, who is ranked 31 in the world.