A TWENTY-FOUR-HOUR 'Bowlathon' takes place in Mobberley this weekend to commemorate the life of a man who dedicated his life to the sport.

The crown green bowling marathon will run from 8am on Saturday to 8am on Sunday, October 28 to 29, with 25 hours of bowls action as the clocks go back.

Two-hundred players will take part and have been tasked with raising £50 each, in a bid to achieve a target of £10,000 towards Motor Neurone Disease research.

The event will be held at the Victory Hall Memorial Club in memory of Mel Evans, MBE, who played the sport at the top level as well as holding a variety of administrative roles and bringing the sport back to terrestrial television.

Sadly, Mel was diagnosed with MND in April 2016, and he passed away just 15 months later, aged 67.

Mel's long-time bowls partner Lynn Pritchatt said: "Towards the end of his battle with MND, Mel and I discussed the idea of organising a Bowlathon to raise money for research, and Steve Cook quickly came up with the venue at Mobberley as well as becoming one of the main organisers.

“Since then, the response from the bowling community has been incredible. It’s mind-blowing, really.

“All the sponsorship money, every penny of it, will go to research into MND. This illness affects men and women, young and old. It destroys the lives of the individual sufferer and their families.

“Spectators are welcome to watch what promises to be a unique and very special event. Entry is free.”

Among those taking part are Cheshire legend Stan Frith, the 'Winsford wizard' Glynn Cookson, and a number of champions past and present.

Find more on the club's Facebook page.