CHARITY bosses at Willowbrook Hospice were bowled over by the amount raised at a recent crown green bowling challenge held at The Carr Mill pub in St Helens.

Over 30 regulars from The Gate pub on Chain Lane competed in the knock-out bowling challenge, which raised £320 for the Portico Lane hospice.

Starting at 12.30pm, the competition was eventually won by Kevin Twort and Dean Ford after a close fight off with organisers Kevin Hill and Paul Sheeran.

Kevin said: “So many of our regulars at The Gate have had loved ones who’ve had cancer or other illnesses or who have received treatment at Willowbrook that we decided to organise another match to try to raise even more money for the hospice.

“The bowlers are a great bunch of people and we’d like to thank everyone who took part. Special thanks in particular to the staff at The Carr Mill for their help and hospitality”.

Mark Pilkington, challenges fundraiser at Willowbrook Hospice, said “It’s the third time that The Gate bowling challenge has taken place and it’s always so well supported. On behalf of Willowbrook I’d like to thank the organisers, Kevin and Paul, all those who took part and everyone who contributed to the generous donation of £320.

"All the money raised will help us to continue to support and care for our patients and their families.”