THREE local players are to represent Disability Bowls England at the World Championships in Sydney, Australia, this year.

Patrick Lovell, Eric Shackleford and Ian Robertson are all members of Bridgwater BC at The Parks and of the town's visually-impaired bowling club. The world championships are being held over 12 days in October.

Shackleford was the national visually-impaired singles champion in 2005 and has played a large part in the setting up of the sport in the area. Lovell has also appeared in the finals of national competitions.

All three of those selected play regularly not only in fixtures for the visually impaired, but also against the sighted players. They play both indoors and outdoors at Bridgwater BC.

Players have to pay their own way to the World Championships and it will cost each about £2,000. They will also have to attend practice and selection sessions in Nottingham.

They are preparing some fund-raising activities as a group and also very keen to find sponsors. Eric Shackleford has already been supported for part of his costs by Wendy Duckett, of Monsieurs, gentleman's hairdressers, of Court Street, Bridgwater.

Anyone who would like to help in any way, please telephone (01278) 456045 for more details.