MEMBERS of a local sports club have been bowled over by a donation from a major Flintshire manufacturing business.

Money raised by employees at the Essity tissue mill in Oakenholt will be used to buy fleece jackets and t-shirts for members of Oakenholt Bowling Club when competing against other bowls clubs.

Established in the 1990s, the club is based in Croes Atti Lane and has a growing number of members aged between 20 and 80+. So far this year, 11 new bowlers have joined – taking membership up to 50.

Club member Ken Hunt said: “We’ve had previous donations of toilet tissue and hand towels to be used in our clubhouse, but this is the first time Essity has made a cash donation and we were bowled over by the generosity of their employees.

“While the club is thriving, and a great way of keeping fit and making new friends, keeping the finances on track is always a challenge. Our new outfits will help us to look the part when competing as a club team.”

The Essity mill on Chester Road employs more than 80 people, making paper used in products such as toilet tissue for leading supermarkets and hand towels for hospitals, airports and the hospitality sector.

John Kirwin, Essity site manager, said: “The bowling club is a popular local sports facility and a number of our employees are members.

"I was delighted at the response to our fundraising efforts, and looking forward to taking Ken up on his offer to stage a friendly match between his members and my colleagues.”