A former ladies-only bowls club is to celebrate the addition of male members by hosting a battle of the sexes, as it prepares for its first season as a mixed team.

Since its inception in 1945, Gorleston Ladies Bowls Club was strictly women-only, however it is now relaunching as Gorleston Links Bowls Club, having agreed to welcome men for the first time.

However, before male and female members play alongside one another, they will battle it out, as they look to settle the age old gender dispute.

From 10.30am on Monday, May 1, the club will put men and women against each other in friendly competition, as it begins life as a mixed team.

Sue Moretta, publicity member for the team, said: 'We thought this would be a really fun way to start being a mixed team with a bang.

'It should be an interesting competition - bowls is a sport where there really is nothing advantageous about being either male or female - the playing field is pretty even.

'However, as a women's team we did do really well last year, reaching the final of a very tough competition, so we have got that to our name. It will definitely be a big challenge for the men.'

The club will be playing in four different competitions this year, including, for the first time, the Sunshine League.

Since announcing the decision to introduce male members, membership has roughly doubled, and hopes are high for the new season.

'We have already attracted lots of new members,' she added. 'We have more than 40 members now, so we're really looking forward to getting the season under way.

'We also want to encourage others to get involved as well - often when we're playing people will come and talk to us and express an interest, so we would love to see more of them coming along.'

The launch day will see a variety of ends contested, with a raffle and refreshments also on offer.

Once the season is under way, the club will also be holding training sessions on Sundays, which people interested in taking up the sport are welcome to attend - with the first two Sunday sessions being free to attend.

People interested in coming along to the launch day are encouraged to arrive at the greens on Marine Parade from 10am.