A GROUP of bowlers aged between 60 and 82 are to stage a marathon 12-hour overnight bowls contest.

The event, staged by Thirsk Athletic Bowling Club, will begin at 7pm today (Saturday, June 21) and end at 7am tomorrow.

The contest will raise funds for the Friarage Hospital’s MRI Scanner Appeal.

One of the fundraisers, Judith Bish, said everyone had devised their own methods of how they would get through the night-long bowling session.

She said: “One of my friends who I started this with said she wasn’t going to rest at all and is aiming to keep walking up and down all night long. My husband is going to make things like sandwiches and cakes and people will be making tea, so we’ll get through.”

It will be held at the club’s facilities on Neasham Road in Thirsk.

MRI scanners are used to diagnose a wide range of health conditions. A scanner for the Friarage will add to the diagnostic services currently available at the Northallerton hospital.

To sponsor the team, or find out how to support their challenge, contact Mrs Bish on 01845-522954, email jcbish@btinternet.com or contact Olwyne Dunning on 01845-524221 or at ollyd@thirsktown.co.uk