Primary school children were given a lesson in bowls, as the top players in the sport arrived in Hopton for the Just Retirement World Indoor Bowls Championships.

Potters Resort is holding the competition for the 18th year in succession, and it all begins today and runs until Sunday, January 24.

Former World Champion Greg Harlow, and former Ladies World Matchplay champion Rebecca Field, who will take part in the championship, gave a bowls master class to a group of pupils from Hopton Primary School.

It comes as the World Bowls Tour which organises the competition, looks to promote the sport to future generations.

And despite children's fears that it was a sport for old people, the youngsters found themselves enjoying their time on the bowls mat.

Evie Boulton, 10, said: 'I thought it was really fun. I thought it was a sport for old people so I did not expect much from it and imagined it would be boring, but I really enjoyed it.'

Classmate Kelsie Marshall, 10, however watches the sport on the television with her dad.

She said: 'This was the first time I played it and I started to improve quickly.'

Mr Harlow who was on hand to teach the children, said: 'I think the World Championships is the event that all players look forward to coming and playing in.

'It is always a bigger thrill here at Potters Resort because there are bigger crowds.

'The sport I think is certainly growing and it was great to teach the kids, and hopefully we have been able to influence the next generation of bowlers.'

The championships were brought to Hopton by the late Brian Potter and son John, who is managing director of the resort.

Mr Potter, said: 'It is always a huge honour for Potters to stage the championships, drawing the best players from all around the world to Norfolk.

'We are very proud that we have kept the championships here for 18 years, and I am sure we will once again see some wonderful and exciting bowls and maybe one day the children who have come from Hopton Primary School will take part.'

The competition will conclude with the World Indoor Singles Championship, in which the winner will get a prize award of £55,000.

The World Indoor Pairs Championships, The Ladies World Match Play and The Mixed Pairs World Match Play will also be decided at the bowls' flagship event.

Day tickets are still available by booking them in advance with prices from £5 per person, with the option of upgrading the ticket to include lunch or dinner.

Visit www.pottersholidays.com for more information or call 0333 3207 497 for tickets or to book your short break.