OOH la la! Frustrated Francophiles will soon be able to indulge in their favourite Gallic pastime as the second Preston Open Boules Competition takes place in the area.

And while the Broughton and District Club, in Whittingham, may not quite be the same as a sunny square in Provence, the event, pencilled in for Sunday, September 12, is expected to attract scores of fans of the French game.

Preston's first boules 'open' attracted more than 56 boulers when it took place last year, all eager to compete for the £200 prize money.

Last year's winning partnership of Peter Briggs and Dave Massam, from Croston, has been split up due to Dave's's unavailability, leaving this year's contest wide, wide open.

The event is being organised by Bill Oldcorn, pictured left, who says the Broughton venue is ideal.

He said: "Boules, or Petanque as it is also known, is already a popular activity in Croston and Bretherton where a thriving pub league takes place during the summer.

"It is also an established sport within Broughton and District Club where two excellent pistes have been created."

Sponsored by brewery firm Whitbread, the event may already be booked up with competitors, but there is plenty of room for interested spectators, who will be able to used a licensed bar on the day.

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