YOUNGSTERS are being bowled over by a sport more traditionally associated with the older generation.

Coppull Junior Bowling Club has been launched to teach children the art of crown green bowls.

The club received two grants -- £900 from Chorley Borough Council and the maximum £5,000 from Sports for All to help encourage youngsters to take up the game.

The money is being used for special equipment, such as smaller bowls, and for the training of eight instructors to teach the children.

Although there are junior bowls leagues in other areas, Chorley does not have many junior players and the Coppull club is hoping it can change that.

Thomas Robinson, 12, has been attending the weekly club after his grandmother suggested it, and he is really enjoying it. He said: "It is enjoyable and I like competing against other people. It is just another sport I like."

The club is keen to attract more members and Thomas said: "There are not so many at the moment and we need more people so that we can play against other places, because we do not have our own junior league in Chorley and we want one."

The club is open to all boys and girls, aged 10-17. Organiser Hilda Jones said: "Younger children are welcome as long as they can hold the bowls, that is the main thing."

It is also hoping to organise an inter-schools tournament in the Chorley area.

Mrs Jones said: "Although some are members' children, some are brand new, which is what we want."

Anyone wanting more information on the club should contact Mrs Jones on 01257 792751, or go along to Coppull Conservative Club on Sundays at noon.