Members of Copmanthorpe Bowling Club are celebrating today (Thursday, February 7) after receiving a grant of almost £1800 from the National Lottery's Awards for All programme.

The club was backed by York Leisure Office which is run by City of York Council.

The grant will allow the club to fund a membership campaign designed to introduce the game of bowls to a wider audience. Copmanthorpe Bowls Club will throw open its doors for the month of May to enable local people to try the game of bowls entirely free of charge.

Free coaching will be available as will the use of all equipment, including bowls and shoes. The money awarded will also go towards purchasing a new specially-designed wheelchair for bowlers who have movement difficulties.

Club Chairman Ian Teasdale said "We are thrilled with this award which will enable more local people the opportunity to benefit from participation in this wonderfully healthy pastime.

"We have worked very hard to develop this project and submit a viable application. Now we have this grant we can look forward to a successful campaign."

The application was supported by York Leisure Office whose staff are planning to work with Copmanthorpe Bowling Club to introduce the game to school children.

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