HELSTON Bowling Club's ladies' section celebrated their 50th birthday yesterday.

Bowls England, headed by Cornish-based president Michael Jennings, brought a team of 24 to take on Helston's ladies on their Coinagehall Street green.

The ladies' section was set up in 1960s by Gloria Thomas, Anne Pascoe, Mary Brokenshire and Betty Collins.

Gloria, who has since bowled for England, takes up the story: "Around two weeks after I married Clifford (the brother of twins Mary and Betty), he asked me to help out making the teas for the men.

"One day the four of us women decided to have a game and fell in love with it. In 1966 the county bowls association asked us if we'd like to be affiliated and two years later we reached the National Championships."

Gloria and Anne went on to win the National Pairs title in 1978, followed by the British Isles pairs championship in Scotland the following year.

Gloria, who represented England for six years playing outdoor bowls, said: "It was a bit of a shock for someone from this part of the world to be picked for England. It was a very good experience, you don't forget these things."

"It's a very difficult, competitive game which requires you to be mentally strong. When you step on to the bowling green you have to overcome your nerves. I don't believe anyone who says they don't get nervous in a big match, but it's how you cope with them that is important."

From that date 50 years ago, the ladies' section has continued to grow, with around 24 regular members now.

That number could increase in the near future, as youngsters from Crowan School have been practising at the club.

Gloria hopes to develop a junior section next season, which will help to safeguard a club which is bucking the trend of falling memberships around the country.

However, at this forward-thinking club, they allowed themselves the indulgence of looking back on their achievements since forming 50 years ago.

The men's section is one of the oldest in the country, having been formed back in 1760.