LODDON Vale Indoor Bowling Club received a seal of approval when it reopened to the public for the first time after a £200,000 refit.

Loddon Vale chairman Phil Spreadbury was pleased with the response at the open day on Saturday, September 16, to all the hard work during the summer.

He said: "I think it looks better than we ever imagined, and I am delighted that everyone who attended the open day had nothing but praise for what we had done.

"I think we can now say it no longer looks like a shed inside. It is a spacious, modern-looking venue, which was what we wanted to achieve."

The newly-laid floor and carpet are also set to be a major hit with the players and Spreadbury added: "The new floor is excellent.

"I bowled on one of the old rinks which was often unplayable and managed to get three bowls around the jack. I am sure it is going to be a great plus that all eight rinks are now equal."

The chairman is keen to encourage everyone to have a look inside the venue and also for old members of the club to return and see what has been done.

Spreadbury said: "This is the best venue in the county now, for sure, if not the country, so I hope the people of the town come and use it. Bowls is a sport for all ages."

Proof of that is the chairman's daughter, Claire Spreadbury, who is an England under-25 international and former world champion.