A BOWLS club is set to reopen its doors next week as lockdown restrictions ease.

Darlington's South Park Bowls Club is reopening to members on May 25, with strict social distancing policies enforced.

The public can not meet one person from outside their household, while maintaining social distancing, meaning only the same household can bowl together, or one person with one friend whilst keeping two metres distance.

New members however are still welcome to join, but no general public will be allowed on site.

Club secretary Scott Morland, who is a competitive bowler, said: "We're delighted to reopen to give those who enjoy a roll up some fresh air."

Guidelines for distancing is attached around the club house, and bowling parties will take out equipment only to be handled by themselves.

Mr Morland added: "This is the only way we can safely monitor comings and goings.

"We have purchased lots of hygiene and antiseptic consumables, and will only allow minimum equipment to be used.

"We are not allowing changing rooms to be opened either, so are using a corridor to store one trolley of basics that must be sanitised before and after use, with access only to a toilet and wash basin."