ALMOST £7,000 is up for grabs in one of the country's biggest crown green bowling competitions.

It's the Hamlet Championship, staged in association with Scottish and Newcastle, at the Carr Mill Hotel.

And the winner will walk away with a cool £2,000.

The runner-up will receive £1,000 and prizes run down to the last 32, who'll each receive £60.

The action begins this weekend and first and second dates are June 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26, July 2 and 3. Return dates are July 9 and 10, with the grand final on Sunday, July 16.

The event has attracted some of the game's biggest names and the likes of Brian Duncan and Norman Fletcher will be attempting to take the title away from holder Graeme Law.

Carr Mill manager Christopher Harrison commented: "This is one of the biggest events in the country and attracts an ever-increasing number of competitors and supporters. Our aim is to make this year's championship the best yet."

The draw for this weekend's games includes:

Sunday, June 11 (1pm): M. Holden v J. Richardson, I. Broadhurst v M. Britton, D. Holden v D. Lewis, M. Bradshaw v K.J. Melling, T. Throup v D. Sillitoe, K. Wainwright v K. Forber, P. Boydell v B. Farrar, A. Ferris v F. Derbyshire.

Monday, June 12 (7pm): M. Gilmore v P. Faulcanbridge, J. Gatley v A. Wolfe, D. Gilmore v W. Burlinson, D. Walker v S. Mort, G. Merry v H. Birch, T. Gatley v P. Marrow, A. Ward v N. Burrows, G. Curran v C. Macdonald.