Cardiac rehabilitation patients in Rhondda Cynon Taff are taking to the bowling green as part of the plan to see them on their way to restoring their good health.

It was the patients themselves who called for the game to be incorporated into the rehabilitation programme after discovering that the sport brought about both physical and psychological benefits.

The newly formed bowls fraternity have taken to playing the game on a regular basis, but without a personal own set of have been restricted to playing during the summer at Gelli Galed Green and using club equipment.

The group is now looking forward to playing the game throughout the year. A Community Chest grant of £750 has allowed Wood ‘n’ Hearts to buy seven sets of bowls, meaning they can take the game to Rhondda Leisure Centre in the winter months.

Not only do the sessions offer the opportunity to exercise within the advised limits, the game’s social aspect means they are also forming friendships with fellow patients.