BOWLERS in Worcester who feared being caught short while playing matches say they are "thrilled" to have been provided with their own portable toilets.

Pershore-based Prestige Toilet Hire sent a mobile unit to Brickfields yesterday to provide facilities for elderly players.

The toilet unit will be brought on to the site for matches.

Members of the Community Bowls Club, which plays at the King George V Playing Fields, had complained to the council about a lack of toilets next to the green.

The club's members are predominantly elderly and many are on "water pills".

Some potential bowlers have even turned down the chance to play on the city green because they fear being caught short.

Last month, the Evening News reported how players often opted to duck into the shrubbery to answer the call of nature rather than make it to the pavilion 200 yards away.

Fred Harris, captain of the club, said members thought it was brilliant that the toilet hire firm had provided facilities.

"We've got our last match on Tuesday before the season ends," he said.

"Hopefully then the council will help us to sort the situation out.

"We've been playing on the fields since 1987, so it's nice to have facilities on hand. Everybody is really thrilled."

Shirley Davies, spokeswoman for Prestige Toilet Hire, said the company was pleased to help the members out.

"They were well used at yesterday's match," she said. "We were happy to do something to help."

Ian Yates, parks and cemeteries manager at Worcester City Council, said he was aware of the situation.

"We know there are problems with the toilet facilities," he said. "We're now looking at different options available to us. There are toilets on site but the members feel that they need some closer.

"We'll be talking with the club during the closed season in the hope of finding a possible solution.

"But in the meantime, we hope the mobile toilets help the situation."