WHEELCHAIR users are invited to join members of a Preston club -- for a spot of bowling.

Members of Deepdale bowling club in St Thomas's Road, Preston, are calling on disabled people to enjoy crown green bowling at their upgraded facilities.

Bill Kirk, club secretary, said: "We obtained a grant to improve our facilities and to provide access for wheelchair-bound people, including ramps and toilets.

"It is our ambition to allow these people to take part in a game of bowls on a crown green."

The improvements follow a grant from the Sport England Lottery Fund and four years dedicated work by club members. "We did the building work in two phases because the building had to be supported by steel girders, that took place last year.

"The other work got started after October, and that took about six weeks," Bill explained.

Club members say Deepdale is the only crown green bowling club in the area that is accessible to wheelchair-bound users.

Bill added: "For any wheelchair users reaching a standard whereby there are able to compete on the same level with physically unimpaired people we have purchased a wheelchair which will allow them to go anywhere on the green."

The new Bradshaw buggy wheelchair is specially designed to give access to the green without damaging the lawn while a short bowling mat provides an indoor facility.

The club's outdoor bowling season started a few weeks ago and is expected to go on until September.

Deepdale bowling club was founded in 1897 by businessmen in the area who met to play bowls, snooker, cards, darts and dominoes.

Now there are six teams at the club, all competing in local leagues, with members aged from 40 to 80 -- all eager to show young novices the ropes.

Anyone interested in trying crown green bowling, helping disabled players or assisting with fund-raising, should call Bill on 700819.

Pictured is Deepdale Bowling Club's new wheelchair 'the Bradshaw buggy' for use by disabled members is tested out by able bodied player Maureen Reynolds assisted by club secretary Bill Kirk.