BROMYARD Bowls Club have officially opened their new artificial bowling surface.

The ceremony was carried out by Clive Richards, under whom the Bromyard Sport Foundation operates.

The provides the running of Bromyard Rugby Club and Bromyard Archery Club, as well as the Bowls Club.

Mr Richards spoke before cutting the ribbon and bowled the first wood.

A short speech was also made by Richard White of Dales Sports Surfaces and representatives of other bowls clubs in the area played a few ends to get a feel for the new surface.

The opening was the final day of two years of hard work by club members, which enabled them to obtain a grant of nearly £50,000 from Sport England.

The money went towards the removal of the old carpet, which is more than 15 years old, the levelling of the sub surface and the laying of the new carpet.

The work was carried out by Dales Sports Surfaces, to whom the club is grateful for the way in which they operated.

A raffle was also held at the grand opening, raising £130 for the Mayor of Bromyard's charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

It is hoped the new playing surface will attract new members to the club.

The club days are normally held on Tuesday and Friday afternoons or evenings.

For more information, visit bromyardbowls.blogspot.co.uk or bromyard.info

Meanwhile, the first round of Bowls Herefordshire County Singles tournament will be held at 6.15pm on Friday, June 26 at Leominster.

Matches include T. Holmes versus D Gardener, D. Holmes against J Scamp, C Walters taking on P Pritchard, P Middleton against J Mack and O Pascoe versus G Scarborough.

The final will be at Hereford Bowls Club on Sunday, July 12.