We arrived amid a throng in the neon-twinkling entertainment venue that is Hollywood Bowl.

It wasn’t long after Christmas and the festivities were still in full swing. Judging by the queue for bowling shoes snaking round the reception area, plenty of families were keen to participate in what we found to be a fun, enjoyable sport.

The opportunity to try ten-pin bowling at Bradford’s Hollywood Bowl came through my daughter’s invitation to a schoolpal’s birthday party – and what a fantastic time they had.

After changing into their non-slip bowling shoes, the little ones gathered on two of the centre’s 26 lanes. Their names were inputted into the computer and appeared on the overhead screen, enabling them to check when it was their turn to play and keep track of their scores.

Being a ten-pin novice, I wasn’t au fait with the game and, according to the Hollywood Bowl website, “it takes a minute to learn and a lifetime to master”.

The ancient sport is understood to date back to Egyptian times. The aim, of course, is to roll the bowling ball along the lane and try and knock down as many pins as you can.

Sounds simple, there is an element of skill and determination if you’re playing to win.

Anyone who has been bowling will know how it works but if, like me, you’re new to it all, here’s a quick guide. Each game comprises ten frames. You bowl two balls per frame in turn with up to five other players. Points are scored by knocking over the pins.

Thankfully, computer technology keeps a tally of the scores so you can just enjoy the game.

Bowling balls come in various colour-coded weights. Lighter-weight balls are for younger or less-confident players. Youngsters also benefit from launching their bowls off a metal ramp.

After collecting her coloured bowl, my daughter Katy carried it to the ramp, put it on top and pushed it off.

Watching it gathering speed as it headed down the lane towards the pins brought great delight, and seeing some of the pins come crashing down was even more exciting.

Six were left standing, which wasn’t bad for a first attempt. Each time she had a go, Katy managed to topple a few more.

The rest of the young party-goers did well too, and the appearance of a few red crosses on the screen symbolised some strikes.

There was plenty of team spirit and, as a spectator, it was a lot of fun to watch.

By the time they’d bowled their last ball, the young ones were ready for the party tea – a lovely warm meal in the cafe area.

When you’ve finished bowling you may want to carry on your winning streak. You could try your luck on the classic arcade games, bandits and slots, or test your aptitude on the latest video games in the centre’s games area, which we passed as we left, following an extremely fun afternoon.

- Hollywood Bowl is at The Leisure Exchange, Vicar Lane, Bradford. - Facilities such as ramp access, wide gangways and washrooms with wheelchair access are available. - Opening times are Sunday to Thursday, 10am until midnight, and Friday to Saturday, 10am until 1am. - For more information, call 0844 8261455 or visit hollywoodbowl.co.uk.