THE cream of young talent from across the county converged on Westcliff's Essex County indoor bowling club for a special under-18 youth development scheme.

Twenty-four bowlers battled it out for more than six hours under the watchful eye of the regional school of excellence who were hawking for the stars of the future.

Harwich's Karl Brooks, who had beaten Essex County cadet Edward Morris in the semi-finals, came out on top after a hard fought 9-7 final triumph over Havering's Mark Nullmeyers.

Another Essex County fledgling, Francis Bull, reached the quarter-final stage, but lost out to fellow club member Morris.

Press officer for the Imperial Avenue based club, Keith Threadgold, believes bowls is attracting a new, youthful audience.

"Bowls may not be the most active of sports, but it is very popular," he said.

"Skill is needed like other sports to be successful, but it is a bit like chess, as you have to think tactically.

"We visit schools in the Southend area and hold an open day at the club to generate interest among the pupils and I would say we take on as many as eight new cadets every year.

"At the moment we have 28 boys at Essex County - including one lad who comes all the way from Tilbury - and we have big hopes that they can go on and challenge for honours at all levels."

If you would like more information about playing bowls you should call 01702 713325.