A VILLAGE bowling club in South Somerset has been awarded £500 to help meet the cost of making it Covid-secure ahead of roll-ups returning.

South Petherton Bowls Club has been awarded the cash by Persimmon Homes South West, from its Community Champions fund.

The club is eager to see players returning to their sport and is planning ahead to make sure all the systems are in place to make their dream a reality.

Club treasurer Peter Mottram explained: “We are an all-year village bowling club with about 80 members, including associate members (in 2019).

"But, unfortunately, since the March 2020 lockdown, we were restricted to fun roll-ups and competitions between our members, making sure we kept to the Covid restrictions.

“However, we have made major improvements to the club and always keep our green in pristine condition, until the December 2020 lockdown forced us to close. We hope to open normally this year.”

Stacey Harris, sales director at Persimmon Homes South West, said: “This bowls club has a strong membership from its local community and we were delighted to be able to offer our support.

“It is frustrating that sport has been paused, but I am sure everyone will enjoy their activities with new enthusiasm when the restrictions are lifted.”

She added: “Persimmon Homes South West has had a fantastic response to its Community Champions scheme and it is always a tricky task to pick our winners each month.

“If applicants were unsuccessful last month, we urge them to visit the Persimmon Homes website and to try again and hopefully they will become our next Community Champion.”

The housebuilder’s national match-funding programme Community Champions seeks to support groups and charities working to improve the quality of life for local people.

Each month the Exeter-based builder donates up to £2,000 to community groups across the region.

Organisations can apply for funding here.