ANDOVER youngster Josh Carnegie has joined his dad and his grandad to put three generations on the green at Andover Bowls Club.

Having seen a match on television last year, the 10-year-old was inspired to give the sport a whirl.

So one day he went along to the clubhouse with his dad and rolled a few woods (bowls) across the carpet with then-president, David Hamilton.

On his first day on the green, Josh’s natural ability surprised onlookers as he landed a couple of woods right next to the jack — an impressive feat for a first timer of any age.

Aspiring zookeeper Josh said he finds the sport “relaxing — except when the bowl doesn’t go where I want it to go.”

Josh’s dad, Andy, who has been bowling for two years, added: “Andover Bowls Club has been really great with him, even sourcing a set of junior woods and reducing the minimum age so he could play.”

Current club president Cindy McLaughlin said it was great to see a youth injection in the club.

"We’ll always put the effort in to make people feel at home with us, whatever their age, and I think seeing a young player like Josh doing so well is a lift for us all.”

Josh and Andy are regularly joined on the green by grandad Jim, who has been a regular on the bowling green for ten years now.

One of Josh’s two older brothers even cheekily claimed he’d be better at the sport than his relatives, but has so far respectfully declined the opportunity to prove it.

Club secretary Jilly Ross was delighted when she heard Josh would be chancing his arm.

"Bowls is a wonderfully inclusive sport, and when young people like Josh take an interest, it proves what we all know to be true: playing bowls is rewarding intellectually, physically and socially. Seeing him enjoy what bowls has to offer is a joy."

Asked how the club has reacted to the family feat, she added: "I imagine all members of the club are thrilled to see a broad range of people realising the sport's appeal. Sharing the green with multiple generations enriches the experience for all of us, as each player brings their own perspective, experiences and character to their game. The more variety we have, the more fun and interesting it becomes.

"I was delighted and pleasantly surprised when he decided to take up the sport. It's not often we get such a young member, and it's particularly lovely seeing Josh on the green with his dad and grandad.