Stamford Bowls League president Rita Downs stages her gala day event

This year's Stamford League president, Rita Downs, held her gala at Blackstones Bowls Club over the weekend.

Eighteen teams competed for the cup on a day which, despite rain threatening, was enjoyed by everyone.

The competition was won by one of the four teams entered by Stamford Town Bowls Club, consisting of Graham Patrickson, Paul Bailey, John Holroyd and Moira Holroyd.

The runners-up were the team from Greetham Valley of Tony Ansell, James Murphy, Peter Cozens and John Cox.

The gala raised £690 for the president's chosen charity, Great Ormond Street Hospital, so a big thank you to everyone who took part.

Thanks are also due to the president and Blackstones Bowls Club manager Tony Gibbons and his catering staff.

Every day, around 750 seriously ill children and young people from all over the UK are seen at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

One of those children is Mason Sallis – son of president Rita Downs’ god-daughter, Laura, and the inspiration for her choice of charity for this year.

Mason has a rare genetic disorder – osteopathia striata with cranial sclerosis, or OS-CS for short.

Great Ormond Street Hospital saved Mason’s life on two occasions when he was younger and the hospital continues to care for him and to support his family.

Mason is treated by a number of different teams and, with their help, he is able to take part in the activities he enjoys.

He loves football and playing with the family dogs, Bruno and Mabel, and he is very excited to be going on holiday to Tunisia soon.