AVID bowlers across the Wee County are encouraged to attend an open day hosted by a Clacks bowling club.

Patons and Baldwins Bowling Club, Alloa, are looking to attract people from Clackmannanshire to try bowls and join the club amid declining numbers.

The TryBowls event is held in partnership with Bowls Scotland, the governing body for the sport in Scotland, and is aimed at drawing in people who have never tried bowls or perhaps fell out with the sport years ago.

John Blake, secretary for Patons and Baldwins Bowling Club, said: “Bowls Scotland are encouraging clubs across the country to host open days and get people in to see if they like bowls or not.

“There’s no obligation on visitors – we take people in, show them the facilities, give them refreshments and see what they think and if they want to come back, the can.

“We try to make it as nice an experience as we can and if people want to get more involved, our first year membership costs £10.”

John explained that there was a necessity to drive people into the club, as dwindling numbers threatens the future of the club.

“What it boils down to,” John added. “If we don’t get new members to replace those who have stopped playing, then sadly there may not be much future for the game, both locally or nationally.

“Quite a few clubs in the county have done an event like this already, so we’re hoping to follow in their footsteps.”

Patons and Baldwins will be holding their event on Sunday, July 23 from 11am to 2pm.

This is a follow up to the event they held in spring, which was aimed at attracting children and families to take up the sport.

Anyone needing more information can contact the club by emailing patonsandb@gmail.com.