GLASGOW 2014 mascot Clyde joined young players at the official opening of the greens in Jordanhill.

The friendly thistle launched the new season and announced a new junior section at Jordanhill Bowling Club.

The club, which recently welcomed it's youngest member, eight-year-old Kate Sloan, is keen to revitalise the image of bowls and attract new young members.

Kate joined grandad Bob Sloan, 69, who has been a member for more than 40 years, to encourage others to take up the sport.

Club president Robert Wilson said: "We want to change the image of bowls. It is part of the Commonwealth Games and there is a huge growth in bowls down south – a lot of young people play and some clubs are very successful in attracting players.

"But the image of the sport is stuffy and staid. I am trying to make this look a bit more vibrant and I think the best way to do it is to attract kids.

"We can prove that it is not just for old people, it is for everyone from eight to 80 and beyond.

"It is very much a case of there are no barriers.

"It is a community sport and we are making it affordable."

Bowls is one of the 17 sports that will feature in the Commonwealth Games and the club is keen to capitalise on a boom in interest in sport connected with Glasgow 2014.

Robert and Bob, the club's greens convener, will coach the new junior section offering fun and competitive training for an annual junior membership of £6.

They are forming a link with neighbouring Broomhill Out of School Association, to organise coaching this summer.

Robert, 55, from Broomhill, said: "The message we are keen to get across to children is bowls is inexpensive, you are out in the fresh air and it's a fun game with your friends."