PLAYERS gathered as a Malvern bowls club unveiled its brand new clubhouse.

The new clubhouse at Malvern Victoria Bowls Club was opened with a ceremonial game between Malvern Victoria and Bowls England.

The clubhouse is the result of several years work and fundraising after a disastrous fire claimed large parts of the club in 2017.

Following investment from Malvern Hills District Council, Sport England and Malvern Town Council, the new clubhouse was unveiled on July 4.

Henry Steer, president of Malvern Victoria, said: "It is great to see this building formally opened.

"We aren't quite finished yet and there are some finishing touches, but it is fantastic to see it today.

"We are hopeful that this new clubhouse will allow us to host other events for other groups and help to spread our name further afield, hopefully attracting new members."

Councillor Dean Clarke, chairman of Malvern Hills District Council said: "We are delighted to have been able to support the project and the fact that so much of the work has been done by local tradesman is something to be applauded.

"Projects like this help with two big priorities for the council, promoting activity and ending loneliness."

Cllr Neil Morton, Mayor of Malvern, said: "This is great for Victoria Park as it is just one of the new things to come to the park with the new basketball courts due to be coming.

"Towns need groups and facilities like this to help people come together as a community."