BROMSGROVE bowls enthusiasts are hoping to leave other clubs green with envy after finding a new home for the start of their 50th year.

Members of Stoke Prior Crown Green Bowling Club, which marks its half century this year, were forced to relocate after being told they could no longer play at the Bowling Green Inn, Shaw Lane, at the start of 2018.

However, determined to keep the club alive, committee members were soon on the hunt to find a new place to play.

Their search ended after Stoke Prior Country Club owner Wilf Goddard and manager Mark Goddard offered members the chance to create a new bowling green on their site at Westonhall Road.

Trees have be removed, the new area cleared, rotavated, debris removed and finally top-dressed with soil, fertilised and seeded.

While there is still a lot of work to be done, officials expect the new green will be ready for the start of the 2019 season in April.

Secretary Bob Hale said: "We've actually returned to the site we used to use about eight years ago.

"The club has moved around a few times over the years but we'd have to have folded if we couldn't find somewhere, so everyone is pleased.

"Stopping was a real possibility and that would have been a big shame after all these years.

"We've done a lot of the work ourselves but got a professional in to advise us and we'll be ready for the new season."

The bowling club is now recruiting new members of any age or ability. Anyone interested should contact Mr Hale on 07896771256 or by email at roberthale487@aol.com