HAMPDEN Bowling Club have became first-time winners of the annual Cathcart Ladies' Parliamentary Trophy.

The trophy is sponsored by Carolyn Harris, wife of Glasgow South MP Tom Harris. Clubs throughout the constituency have been playing every year for the gents' parliamentary trophy, originally sponsored by former Cathcart MP, Teddy Taylor, for more than 40 years. When Tom was elected the new MP for Cathcart in 2001, he agreed to take over the sponsorship of the competition.

However, the absence of a similar competiton for the constituency's many women bowlers was noticeable and, in 2005, Carolyn offered to sponsor a new trophy. This was the first time Hampden has taken part in the competition.

At the presentation ceremony held at Kingswood Bowling Club, Carolyn presented the trophy to Hampden's Ladies' President, Betty Rodney (pictured, right).

Carolyn said: "This is an important event in the calendar for me. It's the only event where I have to make a speech and it's a lovely occasion because Tom and I are always made to feel so welcome."

It was also announced that next year's "Mrs Harris Trophy" will be hosted by Mount Florida Bowling Club as part of its centenary celebrations.