A FORMER national bowls champion who played an important role in developing the sport in the region has died at the age of 91.

Janet Auld, from Sunderland, won the Alpha Rose Bowl as the All-England individual champion in finals played at Wimbledon in 1965.

She was a Durham County and Silksworth club player for many years, with her late husband, Syd, her chief supporter.

She was president of the Sunderland Bowling Association and of Silksworth Women's Institute for many years.

About 25 years ago, with close friend and player Stan Craig, she helped establish Sunderland's indoor bowling centre.

Mrs Auld leaves three sons and two daughters - Mac, who lives in Worcester, Clive, from Bishop Auckland, and Muriel Hall, Jan Berry and Ray, who all live in Canada.

Clive said: "When she won, the championship had never been north of Birmingham. It was a wonderful achievement.

"She didn't start playing until she was in her 30s, because she played tennis before that. She travelled all over the country, playing every day, in summer and winter. It was her whole life."

A funeral service is being held at Sunderland Crematorium, in Chester Road, on Friday, at 2pm.