A Carlisle Bowling Club has been crowned national champions at the Bowls England National Finals. 

The final took place between Thursday, August 15, and Sunday, September 1 at Leamington Spa's Victoria Park, with over 190 players from all over the country and from all age groups competing. 

At the event, Carlisle Subscription Bowling Club, which is based off Fusehill Street, were represented in the National Senior Fours classification.

Affectionately known as 'The Wrinklies', Tom Prescott, David Lee, Laurence Kelly, and John Baird claimed the National Senior Fours title at the 'Wembley Stadium of bowling'. 

This came after the quartet qualified for the national finals after beating teams from Wigton, Workington, Aspatria, and Cleator Moor in early August to become the Cumbria County Champions and earn the right to represent the county on the national stage.

'The Wrinklies' battled their way through the round of 32, then 16, and then eight at the national tournament before meeting Oxfordshire in the semi-finals and setting up an eventual final against Buckinghamshire, which they would win to claim the crown.

Following the quartet's success, Carlisle Subscription Bowling Club's president Rick Gallagher said: "Everyone at the club and I are very proud of what the team has achieved and the quality of bowling that they maintained throughout to beat some very good and well-experienced teams with numerous internationals.

"What a marvellous achievement it was, bearing in mind that the club has around 85 members."

Following their championship glory, 'The Wrinklies returned to Carlisle on Friday, August 30 where the club held an impromptu 'welcome home' party for them in their clubhouse.

Next up for the local champions is preparations for bowling on the international stage when they represent England at the British Isles championship in Wales next year.