BOWLERS in the Port were pleased to return to the rink as their club's new season got under way.

Port Glasgow BC president Ian McPherson's wife Helen delivered the first bowl of the season as members enjoyed their first fully-fledged opening day since the pandemic began.

Members and their families enjoyed a wapenshaw and a buffet as the greens opened for the year.

The club's committee are hoping that the opening day is the first of many club traditions to return.

Club secretary Sandy Wotherspoon said: "The pandemic put us back by a country mile, but we were helped out by our members who supported us 100 per cent.

"We're hoping this season we can resurrect our schools programme.

"Before the pandemic we were out at the four Port Glasgow primary schools once a week helping to get the kids interested in bowls.

"We're also looking forward to competing against other clubs again, we're blessed with some of the best young players in Scotland so it's good to get out there and play."

The club had introduced a Friday night league before the coronavirus outbreak, making the draw on Facebook live, and hope to bring the competition back.

Sandy said: "The competition was a resounding success, there were around 60 taking part each week at one point.

"It's fantastic to be back after a difficult last few years.

"Our opening day was a great family occasion and we're looking forward to getting a full season."