A BOWLING club celebrating its centenary has "adopted" Kemp Hospice for the year - meaning up to £1,000 could soon roll towards the charity.

Kidderminster's Chester Road Bowling Club has already organised two events to boost Kemp's appeal - as well as inviting players to dig deep for the cause throughout the season.

Secretary Roger Perks said the club, which boasts some 250 members, had never officially chosen a charity for help before but said people had been very enthusiastic.

He said: "We wanted to choose something local - something we could have a direct relationship with. There was almost unanimous support of Kemp Hospice."

Mr Perks added: "This is the first time we've had an association with a charity, which makes it all the more important."

The link will last at least a year and longer if it proves successful.

On the day celebrating the club's 100th anniversary on May 10 up to 100 guests will play a "spider" - aiming all bowls to a jack in the centre of the green simultaneously - to raise about £100.

And the following Saturday the club hopes at least 200 people will take part in a quiz at £1 each. Throughout the summer about 70 players at the weekly matches, both women-only and mixed, will be asked to make donations and a six-match tour of Cumbria has also been organised.

Mr Perks said his interest in the hospice had been generated after his GP Baron Mendes Dacosta - who also works at Kemp - told him about palliative care.

"Patients get an improved lifestyle during the time when they really need it," he said.

To join the May 17 quiz contact Mr Perks on 01562 824448.