TAVISTOCK Sir Francis Drake Bowling Club opened its new season with the town mayor, Councillor Harry Smith, bowling the first wood.

The club will be involved in many matches from April until September. It will be taking part in friendlies, league and cup matches throughout Devon.

Several members of the ladies' section will be playing in national and county competitions throughout the season. Also several players from the men's section are taking part in national and county competitions.

The club now has 73 outdoor bowling members, 24 social members and 43 short mat members who play during the winter at the clubhouse.

Club chairman Tony Smith thanked all those who have given grants to the club to build a new toilet complex. They included the Big Lottery (£10,000), Devon County Council and Councillor Debo Sellis (£2,500), West Devon Borough Council (£2,500) and Tavistock Town Council (£3,500).

The build will start at the end of this month.

Mr Smith said: 'The club is going from strength to strength with increased membership, our recent new extension and our new toilet facility. We will now be able to provide facilities for disabled players at the club.

'The club has a young member who recently won a short mat competition. We would encourage any junior to come and try the game as they can aspire to playing at national level and compete in the Commonwealth Games where Bowls is a major sport.'

Further information about the open days and the bowling club can be found at tavistockbowlingclub.co.uk