ILKLEY Bowling Club is celebrating its most successful season on the green in its 126-year history.

The club took a total record haul of seven trophies. In the various team competitions; the Monday singles B team won the division and promotion to division two; the Wednesday singles A team won division 1; the Wednesday singles B team won the league and gained promotion to division one and also won the district cup; and, the Saturday singles B team came second in division three and gained promotion to division two.

Two of the club's members won individual honours: Jane Steadman, who is captain of the Wednesday B singles, won the Aire/Wharfe Harry Wise trophy and Paul Hillam won the Aire/Wharfe Ian Forder trophy.

Richard Jennings, club captain said: “This has been a fantastic year for Ilkley Bowling Club, all the players have worked hard this season and this has been rewarded with unprecedented success in both team and individual leagues and competitions.”

He added: “There has been a significant increase during the past two years in the number of individuals making use of the club’s crown green facilities, particularly amongst the younger members. We now have 86 players competing in 11 teams each week and the club has invested heavily in improving the facilities and maintaining the green. A special vote of thanks needs to go to our green keeper Bernie Connor for all his hard work.”