A bowls club in Dorset have received a major boost with a £750 donation.

The Blandford Bowling Club on Milldown Road received the funds from retirement home developers, McCarthy Stone.

Funds will go towards the upkeep of the club and improving its facilities, playing conditions and social programmes, ranging from craft mornings to quiz nights.

Presenting the cheque at the club’s recent open day, which marked the official beginning of the tournament season, was Mayor of Blandford, Cllr Hugo Mievelle.

Home to 130 active members, the club has been a prominent feature of the community in Blandford for almost a century.

Although officially established in 1930, a bowling green near to the location of the current club can be seen on a map describing the Great Fire of Blandford, dating back as far as 1732.

Denis West, the club’s secretary and long-time member, said: “On behalf of Blandford Bowling Club, I want to say a huge thank you to McCarthy Stone for their generous support. It’s thanks to these kinds of donations that we can continue to maintain our facilities to a high standard and deliver a fantastic member experience.

“Together with the support of others, we want to continue to provide an inclusive and friendly meeting place for local people to pursue their love of bowls – or more simply, enjoy good company.”

Verity McKay, Divisional Marketing Manager at McCarthy Stone, added: “An important part of what we do here at McCarthy Stone is support local activities and initiatives in the towns and communities in which we build to help create a lasting, positive legacy. Therefore, we’re delighted to lend our support to Blandford Bowling Club by helping to improve its facilities for members and visitors.”