Five stalwarts of a prestigious bowling club have appealed for young blood to keep the game alive on an Oxford estate.

The Blackbird Leys Bowls Club, in Cuddesdon Way, has seen membership fall from 85 to 50 recently, despite excellent facilities in the heart of the estate.

Senior members want to return the club to its former glory, by getting new talent through the doors.

Club secretary David Buckwell said: "I hope to see an increase in membership, which means we can stay financially stable and can have the bar open every night during the summer.

"Top-class bowls is a young man's sport, but we would like to encourage people of all ages and abilities to join the club.

"The facilities here are excellent. They're some of the best in the county. You just need a bit of practice, patience and enthusiasm to enjoy it."

The club was formed in 1966, when a group of men then in their 20s spotted a patch of grass in Blackbird Leys Park they thought could make a bowls green.

A clubhouse was added and trophies followed in the 1970s and 80s, but recent years have been something of a barren spell, with numbers in decline. However, the club still boasts an immaculate 44ft six-rink bowling green and clubhouse.

Co-founder Gordon Roper said: "For the older set, it's fresh air and it helps keep them fit.

"With the size of the estate and the amount of residents, we should be bursting at the seams with members. Perhaps some of the residents don't realise there's a bowls club here.

"New members will help the club survive for future generations."

Members range in age from 11 to 81. Adult membership fees start at £24, for which players can bowl as many woods as they want whenever the club is open.

Herbie Payne, a member for 37 years, said: "I think bowls is a superb game.

"You meet people and there's a good, competitive side to it."