RON Barclay was awarded a commemorative whisky glass and bottle to mark the start of his 50th year of bowling.

The presentation was made at Bournemouth Bowls Club by Daily Echo bowls writer Geoff Jones, a long-time friend of Barclay's.

Barclay took up the sport in Scotland before moving to Alderholt where he spent many happy years representing Fordingbridge.

After moving to Bournemouth, he played for Knyveton Gardens but, for the past two years, has turned out for Bournemouth.

He was president of Bournemouth & District Bowling Association in 2002 and 2007 and was also chairman of the Bournemouth Open in 2009 and 2010.