THE myth that bowls is an old man's game was exposed last weekend when a nine-year-old boy from Abbots Langley became the youngest person ever to compete at national level.

Bradley Coles, of Trowley Rise, teamed up with his father, Martin, to represent Watford Indoor Bowls Club in the National Father and Son tournament in Northampton.

They won their first match on Friday and qualified for the last 32 in England, but were knocked out in the next round.

However, by appearing at the event, Bradley became the youngest ever player in a national competition.

He said: "It was quite fun having all my pictures taken on the green.

"I really enjoyed it.

"It's good to beat all the adults and go to the next round and play someone harder to beat.

"Bowls is cool.

"I like meeting some of the USA number ones and winning trophies, and I like playing in the different types of competitions.

"My dad bowled when he was little so it was natural for me to play.

"He's a really good bowler."

Bradley, a pupil at Leavesden Green Primary School, in High Road, Leavesden, began playing bowls when he was just seven, following his father and older brother Michael, 12, and sister Stacey, 13, onto the green.