BOWLERS will be showing a bias for a little-known charity as they step onto the greens of County Durham this summer.

Neilma Hart has chosen the Erb's Palsy Group as the good cause she is supporting in her year as president of the Durham Central Bowling League.

It was an obvious choice for Mrs Hart, as her granddaughter, Caitlin Robinson, of Coxhoe, near Durham, was born with the condition.

Erb's palsy, also known as brachial plexus paralysis, affects the nerves, restricting movement and feeling in the arm.

Mother Debbie, Neilma's daughter, said a health visitor put the family in touch with the support group, which referred them to specialists in the field.

Mrs Robinson has gone on to become a national committee member of the group, while Caitlin has undergone surgery to improve the movement in the affected arm.

She said that while her daughter, eight, will never acquire the full range of movements, she has learned to adapt to the condition and is a "cheerful and happy young girl".

A league open day is to be staged at the Durham City Bowls Club, off Green Lane, on Tuesday, April 24.

Anyone is welcome to have a game on the club's green, for a small donation to the charity, from 2pm to 4.30pm.

Further information is available on the Erb's Palsy Group at www.erbpalsygroup. co.uk, or on 0247-641 3293.