BOWLERS celebrated a special day in their club's history after rallying round to ensure its survival.

At the end of last year, members of Spennymoor Indoor Bowling Club launched an appeal to pay back a £24,000 brewery loan and stem an annual loss of £5,000.

Members put their own money into a shares scheme, fundraising events were organised and support came from other clubs to help tackle the funding crisis.

With the loan paid off and the club back in the black, a triples tournament was held to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

Alan Clark, club secretary and treasurer, said the club's financial situation, coupled with the loss of income when a kick boxing club moved out, had meant changes had to be made.

“We found a way to pay off the brewery loan, made economies and we are on a sound financial footing.”

He said the club now needed to tackle a number of repairs to the building, above the Ken Warne store, in Whitworth Terrace, Spennymoor, and attract new members.

“We have 47 members at the moment and another 80 social members but we could always do with more,” said Mr Clark.

“We are working on it. I would like to get the kids involved. The club is right next to Whitworth Park School and it would be nice if we could get the kids coming along.

“The club is also there for the rest of the town. It's a grand old building.”

The club is open Wednesday to Sunday evenings and anyone interested is welcome to go along.

Alternatively, anyone wanting further details about the club should contact Mr Clark on 01388-817103.