Largs residents are being urged to get behind a prominent bowling club in the town or risk losing it forever.

Members of Douglas Park Bowling Club have launched an urgent appeal for new faces with just 40 hardy bowlers using the greens on a regular basis.

The green in the popular park is council-owned, and members fear cutbacks could affect the club if its numbers do not grow this year.

Chairperson Michael McGowan hopes to organise ‘come and try’ days to get people of all ages interested in the sport.

He said: “It’s a council-owned bowling green and not private, so we need members in to pay all the costs to the authority.

“Councils are strapped for cash as it is, so we need to bring in the money to keep the place running or the risk of closure is real.

“We are hoping to raise awareness of the club so we have our annual open day on April 22 as well as ‘come and try’ sessions throughout the year.

“It’s a ‘use it or lose it’ scenario, it’s as simple as that. The council is tightening its purse strings and we need to make sure we don’t fall foul of that.”

Michael is hoping a fresh approach to social media can encourage more of the town’s youngsters along to give bowling a try.

He said: “Bowling has always been seen as quite an elderly pastime, but I know that younger people would enjoy themselves if they tried.

“We want to have some open days specifically for youngsters, as well as linking in with the schools to offer taster sessions.

“It is pretty easy to pick up, and for the younger players we alter the rules so it’s more about strategy rather than the real rules of bowling which can be quite technical.

“It’s very casual and we’re not too big on stuffy traditions, which a lot of other clubs like to have, so everyone is welcome.”

The club’s opening day takes place on Saturday April 22 in Douglas Park, with lots of fun and games from 2pm.

Michael says everyone is invited along to try out the sport, whether they have played before or are a complete beginner.

He added: “It is £25 for the year for a new member and you don’t need much in the way of equipment so it is great value for money.

“We are a friendly club with lots of welcoming faces, and most of the time you can turn up and play with any of us.

“The location is fantastic with beautiful surroundings thanks to the volunteers from the Douglas Park Project.

“What’s not to love so come on down and find out about bowling and support your local council-owned green.”