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Bowling Invasion - B&Bs Wanted!

HUNDREDS of bowlers and their partners will invade Stranraer next month. They will be in town to play in the two-day Grand Four-Bowl Open Pairs tournament.

But, so many people want to come that organiser Susan Kelly has the headache of finding bed and breakfast accommodation for them all. She is confident of an entry of 150 pairs for the event, which is offering a top prize of £300. With partners that means around 400 people in the area on the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, 23rd and 24th September.

Now Susan has turned to the 'Free Press' for help. Through us she is appealing to bed and breakfast operators in the district.

"I have already booked all the bed and breakfast accommodation I used last year and some more but people are still entering and the closing date is not until 10th September", she explained.

The deal for the competition, which is advertised throughout Southern Scotland and Northern Ireland with the aid of 480 posters, is B&B at £30 for the two nights per person.

"I would be grateful if people willing to offer accommodation at that price would contact me on 01581 200294", Susan added.

Last year greens at Stranraer, West End and Castle Kennedy were used to stage the competition. This year, Susan has also asked for the use of Kirkcolm and Sandhead. Fortunately, Stagecoach Western have given her a good deal to transport competitors between the venues.

A major attraction of the event, apart from the prize money, is that everyone is guaranteed at least two games with first round losers going into a plate competition for which is there is a first prize of £50. This is just the second year of the event - Susan was approached last year to organise the event aimed primarily at bringing people into the town at a traditionally quiet time.