A BOWLING green that keeps people playing all year round has been officially opened.

The green, which is the first synthetic bowling surface in the Tees Valley, will be open seven days a week in Billingham's John Whitehead Park.

And the Mayor of Stockton, Councillor Maurice Perry, got the ball rolling when he cut the ribbon at the weekend.

The project has been supported by Stockton Borough Council with grants from Sport England and Impetus Environment Trust.

Mike Dixon, from Billingham Bowling Club, said: “Everyone involved in the club is delighted to see the new synthetic surface opened and we’re looking forward to using it and welcoming new members to do so as well.

“We are also hoping to add some lighting to allow bowling up to 9pm at night and we’re in the process of raising the funds to do that.”

The Mayor added: “I was delighted to officially open this fantastic new synthetic bowling green and I’m sure that it is going to be well used and enjoyed by a great number of people.

“It is another positive addition to John Whitehead Park which is already used by various community groups and is very popular with local residents.”

For more information, visit www.johnwhiteheadparkbc.wixsite.com/bowling-club or call 01642-554033.