ONE of the region's leading bowlers has urged others with disabilities to join a new club.

Colin Morton, captain of the County Durham carpet bowls team, visited the community centre in Tyne Road, Stanley, yesterday to launch its bowling facility.

Mr Morton, who also plays for East Stanley and Pittington, took his sons, John, 16 and Anthony, 14, to prove that the sport is for everyone.

"A lot of disabled people think just because they are disabled, they cannot play," he said.

"I play with able-bodied people all the time. I am the only person who plays in a wheelchair in the county championships, out of nine counties, and I would like to see more."

The community centre has tailor-made equipment for disabled people to help them pick up balls and aim them.

Money for the £700 equipment came from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

Centre secretary Tommy Forster hopes the club will lead to more interaction between disabled and able-bodied people.

"The kit is to help the disabled, but the bowls club is open to everyone," he said.

The centre recently reopened after a fire last year and staff are keen to point out that all the former activities are back.

For further details of activities, contact the centre on (01207) 233512.

The bowls club next meets on Wednesday, August 6, at 2pm.