A novice player has helped to lift the silverware in one of the season's major competitions at Brentwood Bowling Club.

Zena Hewlett had played lawn bowls just once before entering the Ted Hasler Trophy event at King George's Playing Fields on May 20.

Eight triples teams took part in the annual competition and Zena was drawn as lead to partner seasoned players Trevor Pedley and skip Cliff Jaycock.

In beautiful sunny weather, the trio quickly mastered the fast-running greens to win all four of their seven-end games, finishing four points clear of runners-up Joan Stevenson, Ann Powell and Byron Davies who won three of their games.

After the results were announced by competition secretary Mark Rose, delighted Zena celebrated with a glass of wine in the club pavilion and said: "I thoroughly enjoyed the day!"

Zena and husband Roy were introduced to bowling five days earlier by club members Keith and Janet Howson who invited their neighbours to a regular Tuesday morning event where beginners can quickly learn the basics before trying their hand with support from experienced players.

Mark Rose said: "This just goes to show how quickly newcomers can get to grips with the essentials and start to enjoy playing competitively. We hope that others will follow Zena's lead and give bowls a try. Our Tuesday morning events are very welcoming and relaxed and an ideal opportunity for all those people who fancy having a go but have never managed to pluck up the courage."

Other teams in this year's Ted Hasler competition were: Peter Smith, Maureen Murrell, Barbara Morrish; Kath Jolly, Alison Hare, Ron Lofts; Janet Howson, James Nolan, Maureen Jaycock; Keith Howson, Marion Lofts, Geoff Byatt; Brian Martin, Roy Hewlett, Margaret Rayment; Ken Collins, Dave Coward, Kate Davies.

For details of events for beginners, visit www.brentwoodbowls.co.uk or call 01277 213937