A YORKSHIRE Dales sports club’s plans to improve its facilities as it approaches its centenary have been backed by Richmond MP Rishi Sunak.

Mr Sunak visited Leyburn Bowling Club for a fundraising coffee morning and open day.

He heard about the club’s plans to replace its 35-year-old wooden club house with a more robust, easy-to-maintain structure and attract more, younger members.

The club, which was established in 1920 when a group of local businessmen bought some land in Moor Road to create a bowling green, has set up a building fund with a £40,000 target.

Angela Carrington, the club’s secretary, said: “The old timber clubhouse is basically a large shed and it is showing its age. We aim to replace it with something more permanent which is easier to maintain and keep watertight.”

Mrs Carrington said the club had a strong membership reflected in success in local leagues. Last year it had joined the Bateson League and won the title in its first season. It was also keen to attract new members, particularly younger people.

“Flat green bowling does have an image problem, that it is primarily for older people, and we are trying to overcome that”, she said.

Recently, the club had recruited a 14-year-old new member, George Jacobs, and Mrs Carrington said it was hoped more young people would join.

Mr Sunak, who tried his hand at flat green bowling for the first time, said: “I found bowling very relaxing after the stresses and strains of Westminster life and was pleased to hear of the club’s exciting plans for the clubhouse and to broaden its membership.”

He said he would be happy to support any applications the club might make for grants.

The coffee and cake morning raised more than £260 for the building fund and one new member was recruited.