An East Staffordshire sports club has been bowled over by a donation to help with vital repairs to its clubhouse.

Ellastone and District Bowls Club received £350 from nearby neighbour JCB towards pavilion renovations which members hope will secure the future of the community hub.

The club was in danger of folding during Covid lockdowns but members have worked tirelessly to breathe new life into the picturesque lawn and pavilion in heart of the village at Church Lane, as membership now goes from strength to strength.

Club Chairperson Lou Parlett said: “The club was established in 1988 and membership dropped to just three during Covid. The Green was in a terrible state but our member John Wood worked tirelessly on it and last year the club put on two successful open days to attract new members."

“We now have about 20 members and play friendly matches against local clubs with practice sessions on Wednesday and Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons in the summer and indoor bowls in the parish hall on Thursday evenings in the winter."

“There was also plenty of work to be done on the bowls pavilion which, of course, all comes at an expense and we are very grateful to JCB for their donation which has gone towards new cladding for the pavilion.”

Anyone interested in joining Ellastone and District Bowls Club is welcome to attend winter indoor sessions at Ellastone Village Hall, Church Lane, on Thursday evenings from 7-9pm. For further details visit their website here