A Leamington Spa resident is itching to get back on the bowling green after a family day out at Bowls England's 'Bowls Big Weekend'.

Anthony Tedd, 39, brought his whole family out for a day out at Leamington Spa Bowls Club and was one of the lucky participants who had the privilege of playing against and being coached by some of England's best bowlers whilst also nurturing her own love of the sport.

Tedd noted how the day brought out a ferocious competitive spirit in his grandparents Neville, 84, and Janet, 81, from Leicestershire.

"I thought it would be nice to get my nanny and grandad out," he said.

"It's been lovely and there was a bit of family competitiveness.

"Nan won and she was great and really ferocious."

Janet added: "He just wanted to laugh at us but it's been a lovely morning and we've met some really nice people."

Neville added: "It was nice to be competitive against my grandson and knock him off his pedestal."

Leamington Spa is known as the spiritual home of bowls and the Tedd family had the opportunity to meet Bowls England players Craig Bowler, Kirsty Richards and Emily Kernick.

Bowler won para-bowls bronze at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games at Leamington Spa and is a vocal advocate of the inclusivity of the sport for all ages and abilities, hoping to entice a new wave of people to take up the sport across the country.

"Bowls' Big Weekend is so important for clubs and it's so easy to get involved," he said.

"It's all about getting people together to do sport and for those who don't think they can do a physical sport to try.

"Bowls is so diverse, you can have a seven-year-old playing a 90-year-old and there are not many sports where you can do that.

"You can play competitive, at club level or just socially.

"People who are suffering with any mental health issue or don't have a tight friendship group, if you go down to your local club, they will welcome you with open arms.

"It's a bowls family and everyone just makes everyone welcome."

To find your nearest participating club and sign up for a free session go to bowlsbigweekend.com