A Shropshire bowling club is back in business with a new top notch club house 18 months after it was gutted by a blaze.

Members of Bridgnorth’s Bylet Bowling Club are celebrating after the completion of a £170,000 refit to replace the historic building which was destroyed in an arson attack.

And because of the club’s fantastic new facilities, it has been selected to host the All England Ladies Championships on July 11.

Club captain Tom McGill said members were devastated when thieves broke into the club house, which is on an island in the River Severn, off Severn Street, stole cash and left it engulfed in flames.

But he added: ‘We are delighted with the new facilities. We are open. It has cost a fortune, but it is fantastic.

“The new club house is much higher, about two metres, so it is now flood proof. We have stepped up security. We have got automatic shutters now.

“We also received a £10,000 lottery grant to install an electric chair lift for people with disabilities.

“The whole thing has cost in the region of £170,000. It is made up of insurance money, £20,000 was raised by people who have helped us and the rest is from members’ loans.”

He also said that because they used a local builder who agreed to do a labour-only build and through operating a self-help system, members saved a further £30,000 on costs.

“This enabled us to build a bigger and better club house. We are really proud,” he added.

Mr McGill said during the past 18 months, the 200-strong club had managed with metal containers for storage – one of which was even kitted out as a bar during the rebuild.

Local people are now flocking to join the club both as bowlers and social members. They have received more than 30 new applications.

Mr McGill said they hope to hold the official opening in June.

By Sophie Bignall