A BOWLING club has been boosted by a huge donation from a Prees-based charitable trust.

The Grocott Family Charitable Trust has made a substantial donation to Whixall Bowling Club, in Post Office Lane, to support its running costs across the next two years.

The club was formed in 1983 and has around 70 members, with teams playing in the Whitchurch, Market Drayton and Malpas Leagues.

Linda Grocott, from the Trust, said: “It has been really tough for sporting organisations to keep going during the harsh times we’ve all faced in the last 18 months.

"The bowling club is very much at the heart of our rural community and is enjoyed by so many people, of all ages, and it is vital that clubs like this are able to continue to thrive.

“As a family we have so many connections with Whixall and we are really pleased to make the donation which will help to keep the club operating well.

"The committee were planning to sell a number of advertising boards around the club which would take a lot of work, so we hope that by my making a substantial donation, it not only saves the team time, but also means that the beauty of the green isn’t compromised.”

Club chairman Dennis Meakin, added: “We feel very fortunate to benefit from the generosity of the Grocott family.

"The substantial donation has provided a real lifeline to the club and all its members, and it will provide financial security for us over the next couple of years.

"On behalf of everyone here, I would like to say a massive thank you to Ray, David and Linda.”

The Trust was set up by the former owners of Grocontinental, Ray Grocott, his son David and daughter Linda in 2012 with the aim of helping people and organisations in Prees and the surrounding area.

Over the last year, the Trust has supported a number of significant projects including Whitchurch Food Bank which will continue to be supported for a further year, and the nursing and intensive care teams at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

Whixall Bowling Club is welcoming new members.

Anyone interested should contact the club by emailing whixallbowlingclub@gmail.com