KEITH Andrews has retired as secretary of the Bolton Mills Bowling League.

One of the best-known figures in the sport in Bolton, was secretary of the league for more than 20 years.

He began his bowling career around 40 years ago when he played in his lunch times at Heywood Park.

He has played for many teams in Bolton and Lancashire but his main ones were Horwich Public Hall and Horwich RMI where he has organised many prestigious competitions.

As well as secretary of Bolton Mills, Mr Andrews also served as its competitions secretary.

Regarded by some as Bolton's 'Mr Bowling', he will not be retiring from is involvement altogether as in his official role with Lancashire Crown Green Bowling Association he serves on the management committee of the national governing body, the British Crown Green Bowling Association.

He is currently involved in bowling projects such as trying to make bowling accessible to people in wheelchairs and attempting to attract more young bowlers into the sport, particularly in Bolton.

Mr Andrews is also a qualified Lancashire Crown Green Bowling referee and recently officiated at the Waterloo finals in Blackpool.