A COMPETITION in memory of a popular carpet bowls player has raised £350 for a cancer charity.

The family of Heather Miller, who lived in Middridge, revived the memorial pairs competition set up shortly after she died, aged 42, from cancer in 1991.

They felt it was a fitting way to mark the tenth anniversary of her death.

Twenty pairs battled for a silver rosebowl trophy at Bowburn Community Centre, on Sunday.

Mrs Miller's husband, Arnold, said: "People were coming up to us and saying what a friendly atmosphere there was, and how much they had enjoyed themselves.

"Our friends have been very supportive. John Wade Holdings Ltd provided sponsorship with another friend, David Batey, and this enabled us to make £350 for Marie Curie Cancer Care in Heather's memory.''

Mr Miller said the event was so popular that he and his family were planning to run it again next year.

The competition was won by Steven Wingfield and Rod Winterburn, from Tudhoe Bowls Club, who beat Anne and Christopher Gething, from Landsdowne, in the final.