ONE of the area's oldest bowling clubs is set to celebrate a new lease of life following a three-year fundraising programme.

A £167,000 bowls pavilion is to be opened amid much fanfare next month at Pelton Fell War Memorial Park Bowling Club, in Pelton, near Chester-le-Street.

The club received a boost towards its fundraising target with a £112,000 grant from Sport England just over a year ago. The rest of the money came from various organisations and included £17,500 raised by club members.

On Sunday, June 16, the pavilion will be opened with a day of entertainment for invited guests. Secretary Ron Rose said: "We'll have a brass band coming and about 150 people coming, including Sport England and local dignitaries.

"We've been working towards this since October 8, 1999, so it's going to be a big day for us."

The site includes an indoor carpet bowling rink, new clubhouse and kitchen, changing and shower rooms and tennis facilities.

The building will be opened by Vincent Clements, from the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation.

* On June 2 and 3, the club will be holding a Jubilee Open Pairs competition.