BOWLS is back in business, and in 2001 its' going to be big business.

Local clubs are already announcing major prize money for the summer to ensure places will be filled on Mid Cheshire's greens.

The Beech Tree Bowling Club at Barnton will be holding its popular open pairs competition, sponsored by Inn Partnership, with prize money totalling £2,000, while the Weaverham Ring O' Bells Classic has £1,900 on offer.

At the Beech Tree there are four qualifying Sundays on June 10, 17, 24 and July 1. There are two sessions at 10.30am and 3.30pm with two pairs to qualify from each.

Pairs who win three games collect £50 and go through to the final day on Sunday, July 8, 1pm start. Subject to a full entry, the winners scoop £600, runners-up £300, £150 for semi-finalists, £100 quarter-finalists.

Entries are £12 per pair and cheques made payable to Beech Tree BC should be sent with an SAE to: Jimmy Davies, 6 Broadway, Barnton, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 4LF.

Telephone entries are accepted but must be confirmed in writing with payment within 14 days, to be recorded. Numbers to ring are 783191 or 77292.

The Ring O' Bells is hoping to attract male and female competitors from all over the country for its classic singles event, which is held with a similar timetable to the Beech Tree.

Rounds will start on the weekend of September 1 and 2 and will be held every weekend throughout the month until the final day on September 29, 2pm start.

Winners will also receive £600, runners-up £300. Ring Stephanie Banks on 07968 011845 for details of entry, which is £10.

Bowlers are also being encouraged to get in there early for three Winsford Super Cup events, for which all sponsorship and entry fees will be paid out in prize money.

The main event is £30 per team of 10, with five to play at home and five away. A veterans' team tournament is asking £15 for a team of eight, four home, four away, while a ladies' team competition will be run on the same basis.

In all events, the home and away format runs up until the semi-finals and final, which will be played at Wharton Conservative Club.

Enquiries for entries should be made to Arthur Land on 01928 731767.

MID Cheshire Bowling Association will hold its pre-season meeting tonight (Thursday), at Winnington Park Rec Club, 7.15pm start.

All clubs to be represented are to collect all handbooks, competition entry forms, result sheets and announcements for forthcoming season.