OUTDOOR bowlers in the North Tyne have said goodbye to their beloved pastime after making the tough decision to close their club.

Bellingham and District Bowls Club has been running since 1991, when the late Coun. Jim Brownbridge pressed the council to invest in making the green, which is next to Bellingham Middle School.

But a decline in interest for the sport forced the remaining eight members to consider officially closing the club and, left with no other option, they bowled for the final time this month.

President of the club, Tom Arnup, said: “It went quite well for a lot of years but there was natural wastage – old members dying – and we struggled getting members. We got up to the number of members being in the mid-30s initially, even 15 years ago there were two dozen or more. Now we just don’t have the income to pay the premises’ costs and the time for the upkeep.

“None of us are fit enough to do it anymore. With the upkeep of the grass and green areas and without new members, it’s just not possible.”

Members say they have worked tirelessly over the years to encourage new blood, from putting leaflets through doors to putting on events at the likes of Bellingham Show to raise money.

Chairman Mike Bell said: “The biggest problem is that it’s hidden. If people could see us playing then it would make a difference and they might want to try it.”

They are issuing a final call for anyone who could save the club to come forward, whether it be to help with upkeep or to join as a member.

“I think if we got about 10 new members there could be hope of reviving the club at this stage,” Mike added.