TOP bowls players from across the country will be flocking to Bromsgrove this month for a popular charity event.

The eighth annual St Georges Cup competition is being held at Bromsgrove Indoor Bowls Club on February 24 and 25.

A North and South team will battle it out to for the trophy, with players raising money for this year's chosen charities Guide Dogs and John Taylor Hospice.

Alan Jones, chairman of the St Georges Cup committee, said: “Although it’s always a battle between the North and the South, the biggest winners are the charities we choose to support.

“We’re particularly excited to be supporting Guide Dogs this year and we hope to name a puppy with the funds we raise.”

Alison Waterer, community fundraising development Officer for Guide Dogs, said: “It’s fantastic that the club have chosen to support us, along with John Taylor Hospice”

“Some of our dogs will be there over the weekend to cheer the players on and the money raised will help us to provide our life-changing services to people living with sight loss.”

The public can attend the event where there will also be a raffle, a man versus food competition and a chance to try playing bowls.

The ‘Ryder Cup style’ competition has been running since 2011, with the South Team winning five times, the North team once, and there has been one draw.