The mayor of Richmond opened the competition draw for London’s oldest bowls club.

She visited Barnes Bowling Club in the historic walled enclosed garden at the rear of the Sun Inn with her consort and learned about the game.

The ancient version is played with wooden bowls and has been present on the same spot since 1725, making it the oldest bowls club in London.

The quirky game is often referred to as bohemian bowls because it defies the rules of the conventional game and whites are not worn.

Coun Palmer said: “On behalf of Richmond Council I personally would like to say thank you for preserving this bowling green, for keeping it going, and I wish you good luck in the future.

“I’m very pleased that you are keeping this ancient bowling green alive and active and who knows, one day I might learn to play myself.”