The Mayor of St Albans bowled the first wood of the season for St Albans Bowling Club on Saturday watched by more than 70 members.

Batchwood Hall Bowling Club and Harperbury Bowls Club will be officially opened by the city’s Mayor, Annie Brewster.

At Batchwood Hall Bowling Club members will play a celebratory ‘spider’ on their green. To do this, the players surround the green, then each bowls a single wood to reach a large black ‘spider’ placed in the centre of the green. The player whose wood is nearest to the spider is the winner.

The Mayor of St Albans said: "St Albans District is fortunate in having such high-quality bowls clubs where players can enjoy sociable or competitive games. I was so proud, as the Patron of St Albans Bowling Club, to bowl the first wood of this season in such a beautiful corner of Clarence Park.

"It intrigues me to learn that over 100 years ago Sam Ryder presented the silver cup that rewards the Men's Champion each year and, although not yet famous like his golfing Ryder Cup, it is nevertheless a priceless link with my iconic predecessor, who was also Mayor of St Albans.

"Thank you to all the members for making me feel so welcome and for kindly allowing me to take part in their games too."

Bacthwood Hall Bowling Club has been rebuilt by the district council following a devastating fire three years ago.

The Mayor will also visit Harperbury Bowls Club which will be starting its 59th season at Harperbury Hospital in Harper Lane