YOUNG bowling club members are now on a roll thanks to a huge cash giveaway.

Huddersfield Junior Crown Green Bowls Association received a £500 grant from last year’s £30,000 Examiner Cash Giveaway.

The cash is now helping a bid to get more youngsters involved with the sport, by funding a DVD that will be taken into schools.

The money has also been used to fund new bowling equipment to help the league’s youngest players take part in matches more easily.

Secretary Geoff Martin said: "Initiatives like these are wonderful for Huddersfield organisations like ours which are reliant on private donations.

"We are hoping to get the younger generation involved to keep this great sport thriving in the town."

Geoff, of Dalton, set up the association in 1994 with Tommy Wilson after the pair noticed there were not enough opportunities for under 18s to compete.

The town’s first junior bowling league was formed the same year and quickly grew in popularity, now boasting 10 teams.

Its brightest young stars have gone on to represent Yorkshire, helping the county achieve an unprecedented five consecutive British Junior Inter-County Championships.

Young bowlers are also entered for competitions, which this year includes the Steve and Chris Batler Trophy.

The association had 17 teams at one point, so members are now on a mission to bump up numbers by encouraging youngsters into the sport.

Geoff said: "Crown green bowls might not seem like the most energetic sport, but you can walk up to three miles in a game.

"It’s a particularly good one for children to get involved with because it encourages teamwork and friendship.

"It’s a very skilful game, but we find kids take to it very well. Once they start they tend to stay with the club and we often see their parents and grandparents getting involved.

"The junior league has always done very well and created some very good young bowlers. But we need more youngsters to get involved to help keep it going."

A new team, which has young members aged seven to 13, has just formed at Brockholes Bowling Club.

Some of the Examiner cash has been used to fund sets of bowling equipment, including new two pounds two ounces bowls.

The association had previously struggled to accommodate the younger ones with bowls small enough for them to hold. Part of the cash will also help fund a DVD filmed at one of the clubs to be taken around schools to encourage kids to join their local team.

This year the Examiner has £50,000 to give away to help groups doing something worthwhile for their community.

The deadline for entries is February 27.

Pick up an application at the Examiner reception at Queen Street South or download one here.