HOYLAKE Central and Melrose Bowling Club is celebrating the 90th birthdays of two very special ladies - Margaret Browning and twin sister Elsie Grisdale.

Margaret joined the club and started bowling in 1974, followed just two years later by Elsie, and at the age of 90 both ladies are still bowling competitively for the club in the Birkenhead and Wirral Ladies League.

Apart from winning many tournaments on the Wirral, both regularly competed in the prestigious Isle of Man Festival; Margaret winning the Ladies competition twice in 1981 and 1995 and the Mixed Pairs in 1984.

Not to be outdone Elsie won the Ladies tournament in 1992, the Mixed Pairs in 1991 and the Ladies Pairs in 1995.

They have also both won the New Brighton Ladies Tournament - Margaret in 1995 and Elsie in 2004.

Both have been regular members of the Wirral County team for many years, Margaret winning her 100th cap in 2013.

During their bowling careers they have held various positions of responsibility within the Hoylake-based club, such as President or Captain.

Margaret has also been the Chairman of the Birkenhead and Wirral Ladies Bowling League for many years.

A spokesperson for Hoylake Central and Melrose Bowling Club said: "They have always gone out of their way to support and encourage new bowlers at any level and have always participated enthusiastically in club competitions.

"With their friendly and welcoming attitude Margaret and Elsie are very highly thought of throughout the bowling world and they are an inspiration to all bowlers who aim to achieve the same high standard that they are well known for.

"I am sure that all members of the bowling fraternity will agree it's an honour and a privilege knowing and playing with these two wonderful ladies."