EXTENSIVE refurbishment of a bowls centre is on target to be completed by the end of the month, bringing it up to international standards.

A body of keen bowlers took over responsibility at Alexandra Bowls Centre, in Scarborough, and restored the ageing attraction with new floors and a false ceiling with anti-glare lighting.

The Scarborough Indoor Bowls Centre was formed to lease the centre from the council and manage it. Director Peter Lees said the refurbishment costs have been shared between the two.

"The support and encouragement we have received from the council has been tremendous and every assistance has been given to ensure that the work carried out is on time and to the highest standard," he said.

A new air recirculation system, which will vastly improve the ventilation, has also been achieved by the modification of the original system.

Scarborough Borough Council has given an assurance that the two-hour parking limit, outside the Centre, will be extended to three hours by September.

Mr Lees said: "This really will put Scarborough on the map in the bowling world.

"The facilities we are offering are of an international standard and we hope to welcome visiting teams from all over the UK."