BOWLS players from across the region will head to Bedale on April 22 to launch a ladies league that celebrates its 80th anniversary this year.

Organisers behind the Darlington and District Ladies Bowling League have several events planned to mark the 80th year of the league starting with April’s launch event at Bedale Bowling Green Society.

Dozens of players are expected to attend from the league’s teams which hail from Barnard Castle, Shildon, Northallerton, Bedale, Richmond and three Darlington teams.

The launch games start at 2pm and the public are invited along to watch the action.

League members will also gather at the Bedale venue on May 9 for a league birthday celebration day that will start at 10am.

Up to 100 players are expected to attend and take part in special competitions to mark the eightieth anniversary of the league.