LEADERS of a bowling club are on the lookout for new blood — and are encouraging newcomers to give the sport a try.

Whitefield Park Bowling Club, which has two greens in the park off Stanley Road, wants to attract new bowlers to breathe new life into the group. The club was founded in 1925 and has had two teams since, prospering throughout the 20th century.

Now organisers are concerned that, with the 55 members getting older, interest in the club could wane if new bowlers do not sign up.

In a bid to boost the numbers, an open day is being held at the club between 10.30am and 12.30pm on June 7.

There will be a chance for prospective members to have a bowl and meet the members, while there will be fundraising activities such as a raffle, tombola and a sale of food, drink, books and cakes.

Annette Hampson, one of the club’s organisers, said: “We are a self-managed club and there is a good social side to the bowling.

"A lot of our members are in their 70s and 80s and, though we have a few younger ones who have picked up the bowling bug, we would love some more to come along.

"Four more have signed up in the last few days after we put up posters about the club, but the open day is a good opportunity for people to find out more about us and come along.”

Anyone interested in becoming a member can call Ged Hill on 0161 796 9725.