COLIN Hirons, of Minehead Bowls Club, has won a Year’s Bowl’s England ‘Fit for the Future’ award for introducing a Youth Academy at the local club.

A ten-strong contingent from Minehead accompanied Colin to the prestigious and glitzy awards evening at Leicester.

The Award is part of the Bowls England strategy that focuses around increasing the numbers of people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds playing bowls.

Since setting up a youth section, three schools visit the Minehead club as part of the project.

Colin’s efforts have helped see over 20 children enjoy playing bowls at the club. The children have found the sessions engaging and have been growing in confidence each session. Colin’s sessions cater for children of all abilities, and he has helped children with educational needs. His work has brought new life to the club and has also brought a motivation from other members to assist in many new activities.