ONE of the area's oldest bowling clubs has been awarded a grant of £112,829 to build a pavilion.

Pelton Fell War Memorial Park Bowling Club, at Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, was awarded the money by National Lottery agents Sport England.

Club members also raised £16,000 and more than £32,000 was donated by firms and individuals towards the cost of building the £167,000 pavilion.

Building work will start next month, and the centre will be completed in July or August.

The club has also been awarded £4,768 from the Lottery's Awards for All fund to buy bowling buggies for disabled people, construct ramps on the bowling green, and to buy sets of bowls and overshoes for young people interested in taking up the sport.

Club secretary Don Rose thanked organisations and people who have helped to form an application for the cash.

He said: "It has been a lot of hard work for the club, but the outcome is tremendous."

The pavilion will boast facilities for bowlers, and changing rooms for tennis players.

As well as the club, other community groups will be able to use the building and there are plans to provide coaching for young tennis players.