CHILDREN are being encouraged to go green — in a sporting sense.

A new campaign has been launched to get youngsters to take up crown green bowling.

The Lancashire County Crown Green Bowling Association has teamed up with clubs in Bolton to invite schoolchildren to use the grounds for free.

Youngsters from St Thomas of Canterbury and Markland Hill Primary Schools visited Heaton Village Club and put their skills to the test last Friday.

David Taylor, club secretary, said: “I think it went extremely well and the children really enjoyed it.

“We will be continuing this over the next 10 weeks and it is about trying to get children involved in the sport as it can be enjoyed by all ages.

“The sport is in danger of dying out as the average age here is 60 and we lose more members than we gain so it would be great to get younger people to join the club.”

Longsight Bowling Club in Harwood also opened its doors to under 16s for a free taster session on Saturday.