A Bowls Open day which was organised by the Irish Bowls Federation in conjunction with Belfast City Council proved to be a great success

An elegant old banqueting suite was turned into a temporary bowling green on Friday as a series of clubs staged an unusual indoor tournament.

Green mats were spread out across the floor as everyone from international medal-winners to schoolchildren and the visually-impaired took turns to play beneath the portraits of city grandees which line the Edwardian walls of Belfast City Hall.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Nichola Mallon, was bowled over after transforming the Banqueting Hall into the most prestigious green in Belfast as part of her drive to open up Belfast City Hall. Councillor Mallon hosted bowlers and schoolchildren from across the city and everyone was keen to give her tips on hitting the jack.