Celebrity TV doctor Dr Hussain Al-Zubaidi lauded the inclusivity of Bowls' Big Weekend after a day of fun at the home of the sport.

The Lifestyle GP and Lifestyle and Physical Activity Lead at the Royal College of GPs was back for a second taste of bowls action following a previous stint with Bowls England earlier this year.

Dr Hussain was one of the lucky participants at Leamington Spa Bowls Club who had the privilege of playing against and being coached by some of England's best bowlers while also nurturing his own love of the sport.

And the doctor noted the positive impact that open days such as Bowls England's 'Bowls Big Weekend' initiative can have on your mental and physical wellbeing.

"My first go at bowls was really fun and really exciting and I knew that I had to give it another go as it gets under your skin quite easily," he said.

"It's so addictive because it's a skill-based game and it's so social.

"We know that it's really good for our health if we develop our skills in something over time and boost our self-confidence and self-esteem.

"From a physical standpoint, being outside and in green spaces helps to lower our blood pressure, so combining everything together in bowls just makes it so unique.

"For Bowls England to be opening up and introducing more people to the sport like this is key.

"To have something so accessible like this, it seems like they are doing a lot to help get more people involved."

Leamington Spa is known as the spiritual home of bowls and Dr Hussain was joined in a game by a group of beginners as well as bowls royalty Craig Bowler.

Bowler won para-bowls bronze at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games at Leamington Spa and has been an avid speaker on the inclusivity of the sport for all ages and abilities, hoping to entice a new wave of people to take up the sport across the country.

"Bowls' Big Weekend is so important for clubs and it's so easy to get involved," he said.

"It's all about getting people together to do sport and for those who don't think they can do a physical sport to try.

"Bowls is so diverse, you can have a seven-year-old playing a 90-year-old and there are not many sports where you can do that.

"You can play competitive, at club level or just socially.

"People who are suffering with any mental health issue or don't have a tight friendship group, if you go down to your local club, they will welcome you with open arms.

"It's a bowls family and everyone just makes everyone welcome."

To find your nearest participating club and sign up for a free session go to bowlsbigweekend.com