JACK Woods, believed to be the oldest crown green bowler in Darwen, has died at the age of 95.

Mr Woods was made an honorary member of Darwen Subscription Bowling Club five years ago. He joined when he was in his 30s and continued to play there a couple of times a week until shortly before his death.

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He was such a keen sportsman he played crown green bowls during the summer and an indoor version at Darwen Leisure Centre in the winter.

His daughter Valerie said he was a “proud and reserved” man who loved sport. She said: “He used to play snooker and darts. Whenever he was playing he was very competitive.

“He was the oldest member of the club and used to play on Monday and Friday afternoons and then on Tuesday evenings in the league.”

Mr Woods was born and bred in Darwen, served in the Army during the war and then returned to the town to work in Darwen Paper Mill and Star Mill in Feniscowles as a sales rep.

He married Olwen during the war and they had one daughter, Valerie. Since Olwen’s death 25 years ago, Jack continued to live independently in his own house in the town.

A spokesman for the bowling club said: “He was absolutely the full shilling. He was a perfect gentleman, very much of the old school. He kept to a strict timetable. He was extremely competitive and very active up until the end.”

When he was 90 the club named a new tournament after him. It is hoped that the Jack90 will be kept as an annual September fixture.

A wake for friends and family will be held at the club today, following his cremation. “That was one of his favourite places to go to,” said Valerie.