TV star James May will formally open a new sports club in southwest Wiltshire on Sunday.

Mr May, who also co-owns a pub in nearby Swallowcliffe, will open the doors to the newly re-purposed Bowls and Croquet Club of Tisbury.

Following more than 40 years of bowls being played on the level greens of what was previously the Tisbury Bowls Club, the addition of croquet to the new club now brings opportunities for those interested in both sports in West Wiltshire and beyond.

The big-name host of The Grand Tour will lead the celebrations, which will be from 2.15pm. 

This will be accompanied by cream teas and games of croquet and bowls

With more than 10,000 people playing ‘Garden Croquet’ in England, the sport is becoming increasingly popular.

David Morley, founder of the Croquet element of the club, “The magic of Croquet is its ability to create a time and a place to connect old and new, friends and family with a surprisingly jolly challenge that is accessible to everybody. 

"Flat shoes is all that players will need as the Club will provide the equipment and the expertise to get members, new and old, off to a flying start.”

For more information go to tisburybowlsandcroquet.com.