IT was rock and bowl in Kilmacolm as players took to the green for the official launch of the outdoor season.

Chilly weather did no deter the crowds from gathering at Kilmacolm Bowling Club for their open day.

Norrie Johnstone, green convenor at the club, said everyone enjoyed a great day.

He said: "We had great support, about 40 people came along.

"We also had good support from the Greenock and District Bowling Association and the Renfrewshire Bowling Association."

Club president Archie Allen's wife Sandra was bestowed the honour of throwing the first bowl.

Norrie added: "Archie welcomed everyone along to the opening of the green and we then played eight ends before enjoying food which was prepared by the ladies at the club."

Norrie says the club is going from strength to strength and recently welcomed 15 new members.

The youngest players are 14-year-old twins while the oldest members are in their late eighties.

He said: "We have attracted new members and I think that's because we've reduced the membership to £50 for the first year.

"It's good going, especially as we have people travelling from Port Glasgow and Greenock.

"We are a very sociable club and have fun."

Norrie says that as well as the social element of the club, bowls is also a very good workout.

He said: "If you're playing 18 ends, you're probably walking about two to three miles without even realising it."

Looking to the season ahead, Norrie says there's exciting things in the pipeline.

He said: "We have the usual ladies leagues and gents leagues but this year there is also an over 50s Greenock and District League which involved about nine clubs."

* The club is always looking for new members, so anyone who is interested should phone Norrie on 07946 500433 or email kilmacolmbowlingclub@gmail.com