REFUGEES from devastated Kosovo took time out from re-building their shattered lives to take up a new sport - and it left them bowled over!

More than a dozen refugees, all of whom witnessed the horrors of the Serbian ethnic cleansing which swept through their country earlier this year, visited Megabowl in the Capitol Centre complex, Walton-le-Dale, to sample the delights of Ten Pin Bowling.

And within minutes of arriving at the 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 staying in the re-opened Laneside Nursing Home in Mill Hill, Blackburn.

For several of them are preparing to return to their native country now that the NATO forces have arrived and a degree of order has been restored to the war-ravaged state.

Tony Jackson, who works at the Laneside centre, said: "This is one of a number of visits we have made.

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

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

"Fifteen of the 78 people living 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."

Shqipe Toverlani is pictured having a ball.

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