BOWLING queen Joan Jolly was ready to give up playing a few weeks ago when her game went off the rails.

But the crown green bowler decided to play on - and has just scooped a top honour in the Isle of Man September Festival.

Joan, from Brookfield, Preston, won the ladies' singles title after seven gruelling games played over five days, competing against 200 top players from all over Britain - and now plans to take on the cream of British Bowls in a top contest in Blackpool next month.

She said: "I played my own game and it pulled off. I was all ready to pack the sport in a few weeks ago after 10 years as I seemed to be off form. Now I'll do my best in the Blackpool Illuminations Classic bowling contest at Pontins."

She faced a tough challenge in the semi-final against Cumbrian champ Joyce Foxcroft, narrowly beating her 21-19. Care assistant Joan won a trophy and £1,000 which she will use to splash out on a holiday.

Joan, who works at Meadowfield House for the elderly in Fulwood, plays for St Joseph's Club on Cemetery Road and for the North Lancashire and Fylde county team.

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