MARY Simpson has been bowled over with the news that the elusive Richard Walkden Cup has been traced.

Her father, Jack Bury, a keen crown green bowler, won the trophy more than 75 years ago on Whitehall Bowling Green, Darwen, and Mary was seeking information on its whereabouts.

After the Lancashire Telegraph published his photograph, the cup was traced to a storage room at the club, which now plans to resurrect an annual competition for it.

Jack’s widow, Lois Bury, who is 101, is seen here with the newly-discovered cup her husband won in 1932, at her home in Darwen.

Bowler Patricia Turner, who has staged an exhibition at the club this season, to mark its centenary, said: “We are hoping to hold a competition next year, as the trophy has such a long history.”

The cup was presented to the club in 1913 and the first winner was James Entwistle.

There are 15 names engraved on it altogether, with the last one shown as W Cordingley in 1943. The base, however, is missing, so club members are unsure if there are any more after this date.