A Sittingbourne man has been using his hobby to make a positive impact on the lives of adults with learning difficulties.

Robin Ingram first started coaching a team from the Faversham Care Centre after seeing how much the visitors enjoyed it.

Every Thursday and Friday, he teaches a group of about eight or nine adults with disabilities that range from autism to Down’s syndrome.

The 70-year-old only started playing bowls at the Sittingbourne Indoor Bowls Club himself when he retired in 2010.

Then, he would visit the club on Tuesday morning and noticed a small cohort of those from the care centre playing the game but without being taught.

He started coaching them so they could learn how to play the game properly.

Since then, Mr Ingram, who lives in Saffron Way, has worked to improve their skills and teach them the all-important etiquette of the game.

Bowls is one of the few remaining sports that enforces strict rules on conduct while playing the game.

These include: staying completely still and quiet while your opponent is making his shot; dressing in proper bowls attire; and shaking hands with your challenger before the game.

Mr Ingram said of the club: “They are really good at bowls now and really enjoy it.

“I got such a buzz when I started teaching them because they were so interested.

“It’s great it’s taken off.

“Anybody that’s disabled is welcome to come and join us – we’ve got a special aid for those who have trouble bending over, to help them pick up the bowls.

“And we’ve got space for those in wheelchairs.”

The group is appealing for more people to play with them each week.

For more details, call bowls centre manager Peter Harfleet on 01795 421222 or visit http://www.swaleindoorbowlsclub.co.uk/