A NEW bowling venue and stylish bar will open in Bournemouth town centre before Christmas.

Pins will be located inside Fun Central in Westover Road and is the concept of Tracy Standish, the former owner of the Bowlplex brand.

There will be six black walnut lanes and an urban cocktail bar and the venue will be inside the current Fun Central family entertainment venue.

Fun Central will become known as Prizes and the entire venue will be aimed at a family audience.

Pins will offer a range of cocktails, wine and beer alongside food including pizzas and paninis.

Mr Standish said: "Being passionate about bowling, and with retail suffering in many towns, I saw an opportunity to bring an active and social entertainment to central Bournemouth."

"Bowling is a very sociable activity; whenever you're not on the lanes, you're usually hanging out with your colleagues and friends and, according to psychologists, people who socialize just once a week tend to have a stronger immunity and are less likely to suffer from depression.

"Bowling is also a great stress reliever and the benefits of bowling far outweigh the frustration of the odd gutter ball. We look forward to welcoming you to Pins."

Mr Standish said bowling also offers the opportunity for exercise with average bowlers walking half-a-mile during a three game set.