Prize money for the ladies singles at this year's Great Yarmouth Bowls Festival has been doubled to £500 – giving Dilham's Sheila Hardingham a big incentive to return and reclaim her title.

Overall the 12 events which make up the Festival, which runs on the seafront greens from August 25 to September 20, have a prize fund of £10,000.

England star Mark Royal will again be among the favourites to win the men's singles after being crowned champion for the fifth time in nine years in 2012. He also won the men's pairs with Tony Dunton.

The deadline for entries is June 7, with forms available from Great Yarmouth Tourism, Maritime House, 25 Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth, NR30 2EN – telephone 01493 846343.

Before the Festival there is another popular event on the Britannia greens with Astro Communications again having sponsored open singles tournaments for under-15s and under-25s to be played on Sunday, June 23.

Both tournaments, which are open for boys and girls, start with a round robin which guarantees everyone at least three matches.

Entry forms are available from Rita Albone on 01493 721440 or from Derek Webster on 01493 603976. There is an entry fee of £5 per player and the deadline for entries is May 31.

The growing strength of youth bowls was shown at last year's Festival when two teenagers, Anna Chalk and Rebecca Carter, won the ladies senior pairs. Jake Willgress beat brother Wayne in the final of Festivals Under-25 singles.