MEMBERS of one the country's oldest bowling clubs marked the end of a four-year battle to build a clubhouse by officially opening their new £124,000 building.

The Bedale Bowling Green Society, which has more than 120 members, has spent years struggling to get permission and funding to build a clubhouse next to their historic green.

Established more than 200 years ago, the club has only ever had one previous clubhouse, which was in line to be demolished because it was so decrepit.

But on Saturday, members gathered as their new clubhouse was, at long last, unveiled at a special ceremony.

Four years ago, members were told by Hambleton District Council that the proposed clubhouse was too big, and the club was then forced to re-apply for permission three times.

Finally, in 1997, it received the go-ahead after councillors overruled officers who claimed the building would look out of place in the Bedale conservation area.

The project then fell a year behind schedule because internal design changes had to be made during protracted negotiations for a National Lottery grant, and builder Randall Orchard did not start work until February this year.

But now the clubhouse has finally been completed, chairman Mary Jones, said that it had been a battle worth fighting.

She said: "It has been a real struggle, but now it has been built, you would be amazed at the response we had from both players and visitors.

"The green was first laid in 1792 and we have a very proud history, but without a decent clubhouse members and visitors couldn't fully enjoy their time there.

"We have a thriving membership and for many of the people who come it is their only way of meeting people and socialising, so it was important that we kept on fighting for permission and funding."

The clubhouse has an indoor carpet bowls rink, toilets and changing facilities which caters for the disabled, improved heating and lighting, and a larger fully-fitted kitchen, which will serve snacks and meals.

Funding for the clubhouse has come from the lottery sports fund, which gave a grant of almost £80,000, Hambleton District Council, and several local charities