BOWLING may have the reputation of being a genteel sport for the more elderly of our citizens, but children from Bere Alston Primary School have taken up the game with enthusiasm.

Rod Dawe and Jim Finch, both qualified instructors, and other members of the Bere Alston Bowling Club have been teaching the youngsters the rudiments of the game during the past six weeks.

At the culmination of the classes there was a competition with the youngsters aiming for a ringed target to score points and take away a pair of magnificent trophies.

The girls' winner was Rebecca Ward. Top boy was Luke Viggers. Both said they had enjoyed it and were keen to play a bit more and perhaps take on some of the older folk at their own game.

Bowler Dudley Maasz said they had invested in bowls and equipment to suit the needs of the youngsters. And all the children will get free club membership for the next 12 months.

'It's necessary for the future of the club as our members get older,' he said.

In fact, with the advent of bowling as a TV sport, the game is no longer monopolised by the elderly, taking its adherents from right across the age spectrum.