ONE of the region's oldest bowling clubs celebrated a new lease of life with a fanfare of music and entertainment on Sunday.

Pelton Fell Memorial Park Bowling Club now boasts some of the best bowling and tennis facilities in the country following a four-year programme of fundraising.

The £167,000 refurbishment programme, which has largely been funded by the Sport England Lottery Fund, has provided high quality facilities for bowlers, tennis players and members of the community in a new pavilion.

The club was officially opened by North East and Cumbria Coalmining Industry Social Welfare Organisation operational manager Vincent Clements following entertainment from the Sacriston Brass Band.

The new facilities include a new clubroom and kitchen, which will be available to members of the community, alongside new changing rooms and showers, an indoor sports hall and improved disabled access.

It is hoped that the new pavilion will offer increased opportunities to all those in the area, as well as encouraging a new generation to enjoy the tennis and bowling facilities.

The club now has six qualified bowling instructors to work within the new facilities and are offering free coaching and taster sessions to anyone interested in the game.

Club members raised over £17,500 to add to the Sport England Award of £112,829 and other cash gifts from trusts, private companies and club members, totalling £36,000.