BUDDING kings of the green were discovered at the weekend as Bolton Council bosses encouraged children to take up the sport of bowling.

More than 50 youngsters turned up for a free Crown Green bowling taster session at Kearsley.

The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Prentice Howarth, along with the President of the British Crown Green Association, were at the weekend event at Kearsley Park Bowling Club.

The scheme has been working with youngsters to get an appreciation of the sport and reduce incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour affecting bowling greens.

And a DVD was produced telling the story of how the Kearsley club has established a junior bowling section.

Organisers are hoping that Kearsley's success will inspire others to start junior clubs.

Cllr John Rothwell, Bolton Council's Executive Member for Social Inclusion and Community Safety, said: "Kearsley Park Bowling Club has set an excellent example for other clubs to follow and has made a positive impact on the community.

"Not only is bowling a good way to meet people and to keep fit, it's also great fun."