Thornaby made a sound start in the mixed fours event on the opening day of the Festival of Bowls at the Morrison Indoor Bowling Centre in Darlington.

A total of 32 teams are competing for the top mixed title, which will be decided today.

The tournament, sponsored by Travelcare with prize money totalling £4,000, concludes on New Year's Day, bowling start at 10am each day, through to 10.30pm.

The Thornaby four of Sybil Ginty, Frances Young, Ian Willingham and Bill Pierson, had a 13-12 success over Kepier (Tyneside) and followed with a 13-8 victory when they took on Blackpool.

Ashington and Wilmslow (Cheshire) also began the popular event, which attracts international and national players, with two successes.

Following two days of mixed fours, the top ten tournament will start.

It features 16 teams battling for the top team title, which last season was taken by Wearside, who included the impressive Gary Smith.

Wearside are not defending their title but Smith will be on view, playing for City Sports.

Blackpool were third last year and they include double international David Holt, along with the All-England president Tony Horobin.