PROUD bowlers have struck Commonwealth gold.

Leigh Cricket, Tennis and Bowling Club's bowling section members have been rewarded for their community efforts in the Pennington area with free tickets for one of the unforgettable Commonwealth Games events.

The bowlers won the United Utilities award after Pennington people nominated them in a regional search to find those unsung heroes who pull out all the stops to help their community.

Their unstinting work on the club bowling green and its facilities provides apeaceful, enjoyable oasis for members and locals.

Delighted bowling section chairman Stan Walmsley said: "This is fitting recognition for all the voluntary work done by ours members over the past three years to transform our facilities in to something we and the community are truly proud of."

The award winning tickets donated by Games sponsor United Utilities for bowlers and locals are part of 10,000 the water and electricity company is handing out.

United Utilities' chief executive John Roberts said: "The Community Champions Award is our way of saying a big thank you to those local heroes whose work often goes unrecognised."