A BOWLS champion is looking to emulate his success on the green with a business venture.

David Bolt has set up the Bolt Bowls shop to serve enthusiasts across the region.

The 37-year-old, from Sunderland, has left his job as a postman to launch the endeavour, which is based at South Shields Bowling Centre.

The England international, who became the first Wearsider to win an outdoor national singles title in more than 100 years, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to finally have my own shop - it has been an ambition of mine for as long as I can remember.

“There’s nobody supplying solely bowls equipment and accessories in the North of England.

“It’s a gap in the market I’ve noticed and hopefully I can be here on the doorstep for bowlers in the region to provide a much-needed service.”

Mr Bolt, who plays outdoor bowls at Sunderland’s Silksworth Club and indoor bowls for South Shields, took voluntary redundancy from his role as a postman to realise his dream.

He added: “I was taken seriously ill last year and it was clear I wouldn’t be able to continue as a postman.

“So, having talked it over with my wife, Lianne, I decided to take the plunge and do something I’ve always wanted to do.

“So far, it is working out as I hoped and I want to get the message out there to people in South Tyneside, Sunderland and further afield that they no longer have to travel so far to get their kit.”