TEENAGER Andrew Barkess bowled over the world's number one, when he beat the champion in his first ever proper game of indoor bowls.

World champion David Gourlay kindly decided to give the 15-year-old a few tips when he visited the Louisa Bowls centre in Stanley, County Durham.

But Andrew, of Annfield Plain, who had only ever bowled a few rounds with his father, beat him with a single shot.

Andrew said: "I was playing my first match with my dad when David offered to play me. He's brilliant and I was really chuffed just to get the chance.

"I couldn't believe my luck when I beat him. David was a bit shocked as well. He took it really well though."

Champion David Gourlay, from Ayrshire in Scotland, was visiting fellow internationals Chris Palmer and John Leeman who are both based at Stanley Bowls Centre.

After his unexpected defeat at the weekend Mr Gourlay jetted off to Brazil to take part in an international match.

Andrew's father, John, 37, was overjoyed at his son's performance. He said: "I'm so proud of him. We've only been playing around doing this for about eight weeks and we were both just enjoying it. It was really unexpected when David Gourlay said he would give him a game to boost his confidence."