REFUGEES from devastated Kosovo took time out from re-building their shattered lives to try out a new sport.

More than a dozen refugees, who witnessed the horrors of ethnic cleansing, visited Megabowl on the Capitol Centre complex in Walton-le-Dale to try tenpin bowling.

And within minutes of arriving at the plush alley, they were soon stacking up the strikes on the bowling lanes.

The visit will be the last day trip for some of the refugees, who are living in the former Laneside home for the elderly, in Mill Hill, Blackburn. Several of them are preparing to return to their native country now that NATO forces have arrived in the war-ravaged state.

Tony Jackson, who works at the Laneside centre, said: "This is one of a number of visits we have made. Their lives are exactly like ours, and they do all the things we do.

"To look at them now is amazing because they have settled in so well. Most of them are starting to speak English.

"But they are keen to return home and ring home most days. Most of them have lost everything they ever owned but want to return.

"Fifteen of the 78 people in Laneside are returning to the region when the next plane flies out so they can start rebuilding their lives."

He added: "To see them like this is very rewarding." Andy Coverley, manager of Megabowl, said: "We are very pleased they have been able to visit us and they look like they have enjoyed themselves."

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