ONE of the region's oldest bowling clubs celebrated a new lease of life with a fanfare of music and entertainment yesterday.

Pelton Fell Memorial Park Bowling Club, in County Durham, now boasts some of the best bowling and tennis facilities in the country following a four-year programme of fundraising.

The £167,000 refurbishment programme, which has largely been funded by the Sport England Lottery Fund, has provided high quality facilities for bowlers, tennis players and members of the community in a new pavilion.

The club was opened by Vincent Clements, North East and Cumbria Coalmining Industry Social Welfare Organisation operational manager, following entertainment from the Sacriston Brass Band.

The facilities include a new clubroom and kitchen which will be available to the community, alongside changing rooms and showers, an indoor sports hall and improved disabled access.

It is hoped that the pavilion will offer increased opportunities to all those in the area, as well as encouraging a new generation to enjoy the tennis and bowling facilities.

The club has six qualified bowling instructors to work within the facilities and is offering free coaching and taster sessions to anyone interested in the game.

Club members raised more than £17,500 to add to the Sport England award of £112,829 and other cash gifts from trusts, private companies and club members, totalling £36,000