BRADFORD on Bowls Club has celebrated the installation of a new sprinkler system after digging a new borehole to water its rinks.

But it wasn't all plain sailing as the first samples retrieved proved to be salty but this has been overcome by plugging the borehole at the bottom and drawing off water at 30 metres.

Bowls Club spokeswoman Lesley Hunt said: "Who would have thought that a borehole would have produced salt water in landlocked Wiltshire."

The borehole was the brainchild of club secretary Derrick Hunt assisted by club captain John Griffin who provided the technical expertise.

It was bored in Culver Close and will be shared by both the bowls club and Bradford on Avon Cricket Club.

The green initiative was backed by Bradford on Avon Town Council and will save both clubs several thousands of pounds every year in water bills and provide chemical free water for the grass.

The Bowls Club already uses an organic method of green keeping, known as the John Quinn Method, which is organic for maintaining the rinks.

Hills Group provided £5,000 towards the cost from their Landfill Tax Credits system which is administered by Community First in Devizes.

The Hydro Geological Survey was funded by Cumberwell Park Golf Club who have expertise in the use of boreholes.

The bowls club welcomes new members and anyone interested should contact Derrick

Hunt on 01225 863066 or visit www.bradfordonavonbowlsclub.org.uk. Club nights are on Friday from 5.45pm. Equipment and tuition are provided but please wear flat shoes.