FORMER world champion Tony Allcock took part in a celebratory match in Clacton.

The day was organised by Bowls England to commemorate the award of an MBE to Clacton president David Mitchell-Gears.

Mitchell-Gears is also chairman of Bowls England and he was awarded the MBE for his services to bowls over 35 years.

The day including a master-class from 15-time world champion Allcock.

There then followed a match over eight rinks.

On one side were teams drawn from the Clacton club, the Eastern counties and Essex representatives.

On the other was a Bowls England select team, which included Allcock, world bowls chairman John Bell and several international players.

Also playing were the 2014 Commonwealth Games women’s triples gold medal winner Sian Honor and Colchester’s Para-Triples bronze medallist, David Fisher. The Bowls England side ran out winners by 12 shots.