A HIGHLY competitive bowls tournament saw 12 teams from across the district and beyond battling it out for first place.

More than 50 bowlers and their supporters took to the green for Epping Forest District Council’s New Horizons 50+ 20th Annual Bowls Gala.

With teams ranging from Sheering in the north to Woodford in the south competitive play was assured .

Woodford Wells Short Mat Bowls Club eventually battled their way to the top prize in the tournament, held at Epping Sport Centre, beating the Sheering team in the final.

They were handed their trophies by district council chairman Penny Smith.

She said: “I was delighted to attend part of the day to watch the very closely-fought matches between all of the teams taking part. Everyone seemed to enjoy the competition, including the spectators. It was clear to see why short mat bowls is a very popular sport.”