A BOWLING club has received a grant of nearly £8,000 from the UK government's Shared Prosperity Fund to purchase and install solar panels.

Oakley Bowling Club, in Malshanger Lane, have received £7,987 through the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, supported and administered locally by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6bn of funding for local investment by March 2025.

The fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

READ MORE: Oakley Bowling Club receive grant to boost catering service

This money, along with £1,965 from the club’s own funds, will allow the club to install 10 solar panels with battery storage, a significant step towards their goal of achieving net zero emissions.

"We are proud to be a progressive and forward-thinking club with a strong environmental policy," said a spokesperson for Oakley Bowling Club.

"This grant will greatly assist us in achieving our goal of net zero emissions, alongside our other recent and planned initiatives."

The environmental benefits extend beyond the club itself. Oakley Bowling Club plan to sell excess energy back to the grid, supporting Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's efforts to increase local renewable energy generation.

If you are interested in taking part in a healthy outdoor sport with a great social life at an active community-based sports club then Oakley Bowling Club are holding an open day to support Bowls England’s Big Bowls Weekend, 10am and 4pm on Saturday, May 25.