PRIMARY school children have been learning how to play bowls in the latest effort to crack down on juvenile nuisance.

Edgworth bowling club is piloting a scheme to teach youngsters that the sport can be fun for all ages.

They also hope to encourage respect for bowling greens, which can be become meeting places for youngsters.

Edgworth chairman, Michael Williams, said he had recently chased off a group of boys who were riding their bikes on the green.

The club has been working with Edgworth Methodist primary school for the last six weeks.

Mr Williams said: "Bowls is no longer a sport for old men in flat caps. It is for all ages.

"If we can get to the children and get them to enjoy the game then they are less likely to disrespect the greens when they get to their teenage years.

"We use coloured bowls to make it more appealing. There has been 70 children coming so far over the six weeks and they are really enjoying it."

Children aged between eight and 11 can learn how to play every Saturday morning from 10am until 12.30pm.

David Innes, development officer for North West Lancashire and Fylde Crown Green Bowling Association, the group behind the scheme, said the Edgworth experiment has been successful.

He said: "Edgworth has been a real eye- opener. Many want to continue with the club next year.

"Bowls is a non contact sport which can be played by anyone."

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