DEVELOPERS behind a new retirement complex have bowled over a sports club with a generous donation.

McCarthy and Stone, the firm working on Lancer House Retirement Living Plus in Butt Road, Colchester, have handed Colchester Bowling Club £250.

The cash will be used to help revamp the club's kitchen.

Colchester Bowling Club, based in Ardleigh, has been running since 1902.

McCarthy and Stone’s area sales manager, Chad Goldsmith, presented club president, Sylvia Nudds, with the money.

Mrs Nudds said: “We are very grateful to McCarthy and Stone for its generous donation. As a club that is almost 120 years old, we value our place within the Colchester community, and support from local businesses plays an important role in keeping our club running.

“Covid-19 has brought many challenges for clubs such as ours.

"We have been unable to host visiting teams for friendly games since April – when the competitive season was also suspended – and this impacts on our revenue; however, we are fortunate to have a loyal membership base and it’s been good to see local people returning to play bowls and to enjoy a drink outside the clubhouse.

"Hopefully, we will have the opportunity to recommence competitive matches when the new season resumes next April and, in the meantime, we continue to encourage safe participation in bowls at our club.”