A former mill worker who was virtually blinded by a life-saving operation has helped found a new flat green bowling club.

And Dewsbury-born House of Commons Speaker Betty Boothroyd has agreed to be patron of the Spen Valley Flat Green Bowling Club.

The group has launched an £80,000 appeal to build a green in the Spen area and is submitting a National Lottery bid to cover half the cost and raise the rest through fundraising.

And it is now searching for a suitable site and appealing for new members.

One of the founders is Christine Woodcock, 58, who was left with no sight in her right eye and only five per cent vision in her left after an operation four years ago to remove a brain tumour severed the optic nerve.

Christine, of Greenroyd Avenue, Hunsworth, Cleckheaton, said: "It was a relief to be honest because I had been having bad headaches for two-and-half years and my doctor kept telling me it was down to stress. Then he sent me to a psychiatrist to make sure and I had an X-ray which showed a big tumour. The doctors told me I had three weeks to live.''

But instead of feeling distraught Christine, 58, who is a qualified aromatherapist and masseuse, says her disability has been a blessing in disguise.

She said: "I had to give up my job at C B Brook's textile firm in Drighlington after 39 years which meant I had a lot of free time so I started flat green bowling.

"It's something I had always wanted to do but never had the time because of work, running a home and bringing up a family.

"It's the best thing I ever did. I have made lots of friends, I get to compete in tournaments and this year I am going on four holidays linked to bowling competitions.''

The other co-founders are her husband Donald, 66, Stanley and Marlene King, of Pyenot Avenue, Cleckheaton, Christine and Joe Eccles, of Norwood Drive, Birstall, and Brenda Elksnis, of Newtown House, Mirfield.

Joe, who along with Stanley and Brenda is registered blind, said: "The nearest flat green we can use is at Ben Rhydding which is 18 miles away.

"We want to build a green in the Spen Valley for both able bodied and disabled people and hope to produce some champions.''

Anyone interested in joining the club or wants to make a donation to the appeal is asked to contact Donald on (01274) 876528 or treasurer Christine Eccles on (01924) 475313.

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