Town hosts 'big and prestigious' bowls event

The competition will showcase the very best of English bowls

Some of the country's best bowlers are descending on Wiltshire to compete for a chance to join the national finals.

Devizes Bowls Club is hosting an inter-county Bowls event as part of the early stages of the Balcomb Trophy - a prestigious competition that showcases the very best of English bowls.

Eight teams will have the chance to progress to the Aviva National Bowls Finals in August.

Devizes Bowls Club member and former captain, Kelvin Nash said hosting a competition on this scale is "something that Devizes has never done before".

"Our team at Devizes have been preparing the greens to make sure they are in tip top condition," he said.

"This really is a big and prestigious event for us to hold and something that Devizes has never done before.

"Hopefully it inspires some new people to take up the sport.

"There's maybe an image of people playing bowls from a different generation, but things are changing everything is much younger.

"Just come along and see what you think."

'Brilliant opportunity'

Spectators have been welcomed and encouraged to attend for free.

Para Scouts will be present to observe players and report to International Team Managers.

Club Chairman David Silvester said: "We're delighted to be hosting this year's Inter-County event.

"It's a brilliant opportunity for the local community to experience top-class bowls and support their county."

The event ends on Sunday.