A village bowls team took on the world-famous Chelsea Pensioners in a special match to mark the club's centenary .

Bowlers in Castle Hedingham faced up against the Armed Forces veterans last week.

A large crowd of Castle Hedingham Bowls Club members and villagers turned out for the match which took place at the club’s headquarters, in Sheepcot Road.

The match was arranged to celebrate the Castle Hedingham club’s 100th anniversary after being founded in 1924.

Braintree and Witham Times: Smart - the Chelsea Pensioners Bowls Club in uniformSmart - the Chelsea Pensioners Bowls Club in uniform (Image: Castle Hedingham Bowls Club)

A club spokesman said: “The match was a friendly but competitive affair.

“Both teams showed their skills and enthusiasm and in the same theme the captains, on adding the scores, agreed to an honourable draw.”

To celebrate the game, both teams enjoyed a meal together and £200 was donated to the Chelsea Pensioners, who support the welfare of UK military veterans.

Castle Hedingham Bowls Club chairman Garry Southgate said: “It was wonderful to welcome the Chelsea Pensioners, our members and the village community to the club for the first event of our centenary celebrations.

“We are looking forward to a great year ahead”.

After forming in 1924, the club originally played bowls in the grounds of Hedingham Castle before moving to its current location in 1994, where it has a green and a clubhouse.

Continuing the anniversary celebrations, the club will play against Visually Impaired Bowls England on June 1.

The club will also attend an away-match at the Royal Household Bowls Club at Windsor Castle in Berkshire.

The club is inviting anyone who is interested in trying out bowls to come to their open day on May 19, which starts at 10am.

Experienced players will provide training and a barbecue will take place on the day.

Anyone interested in learning more about the club or attending the open day can email garry.southgate@icloud.com.