A FORMER mining town is gearing up for the world's biggest indoor bowls event.
Hundreds of leading players will descend on Stanley, County Durham, next month, for the World Bowls Tour and Professional Bowls Association UK National Qualifiers.
The contest will take place in Stanley Indoor Bowls Club, after two successful years at the venue.
This year, for the first time, it will incorporate the Scottish Masters qualifiers. Added to the existing bill of the UK and Welsh Masters qualifiers, this makes it the largest event of its kind in the world.
Bill Collin, chairman of Stanley Indoor Bowls Club, said: "This is fantastic news for the club, for Stanley and for Derwentside."
A survey last year showed that hosting the contest pumped more than £50,000 into the local economy.
The contest takes place from September 5 to 19. Admission for spectators is free.
Details of the matches are available from the Stanley Club on (01207) 236941
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