Fundraisers battle the heat in 24-hour bowlathon

Fundraisers taking part in a 24-hour bowlathon say the challenge is "worth it" despite baking temperatures.

Players from Frome Selwood Bowling Club in Somerset started at 09:00 BST earlier and will continue until 21:00 BST – before they repeat the feat on Sunday, said club secretary Mike Bishop.

Ladies captain Kathy Kingman said players had been taking breaks and were making sure to stay hydrated. It is expected to be even hotter on Sunday, reaching 28C in Frome.

Kingman, who is raising money for Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, said: "It's getting a bit warm at the moment so we are going quite slowly to make sure we make it to 9 o'clock tonight. It might be difficult, but it's worth it."

Last year alone, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance responded to nearly 3,000 incidents, with each mission costing about £3,500.

The bowls club hope to raise at least £1,000 for the charity.

"I'm a girl from Dorset and now living in Somerset," Kingman said. "I realise how fantastic the service they do is."

Kingman added that the service needed to raise £1m to fit out a second helicopter.

Club members are volunteering this weekend to support the bowlers, running a charity raffle with prizes provided by local shops, restaurants and businesses.

Member Troy Mustow said the response to the fundraiser had been "really good", adding that the bowlers were "flying through" the bowlathon.

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