ONE of the oldest bowls clubs in Wales is making plans for a bright future after receiving a £1,500 grant from the Sport Wales Community Chest for Monmouthshire.

Abergavenny Bowls Club, in Avenue Road, Abergavenny, had previously lost several players, which meant it had to leave the Gwent Bowls League.

The club feared if the situation continued it could lead to the closure of the club.

Last year, to address the issue, the club began playing matches where men and women could play together.

In addition to the funding of £1487,  the club will make a donation of £300 to the Forward Together project.

It will help buy essential new equipment for coaching new members.

The club will have six newly qualified coaches and six qualified first aiders to support a planned increase in playing numbers for the coming season.

Club chairman, John Whommersley, said: "There is great excitement at the club for this additional opportunity to play. My wife and I are both members and the chance to play together is something we look forward to.

"Abergavenny Bowls Club is the oldest bowls club in Wales having been founded in 1860 and it is our intention to be around for many years to come."

Anyone interested in joining can call club secretary Jackie Evans on 01873 853301or Maurice Padfield on 01873 852227 or 07968867749.