A BOWLING club in a former mining village is buzzing with excitement after deciding to set up its own beehives to help the environment.

The benefits of beekeeping are well-documented. Ecologists have warned of a drop in bee numbers nationally and a report last month revealed 17 bee species were already extinct in parts of the UK.

Newbattle Bowling Club, in Newtongrange, Midlothian, has joined the likes of the Scottish Parliament and London department store Fortnum and Mason in setting up its own beehives.

Ian Keith, the bowling club’s green ranger, suggested the idea.

Two hives will be erected by Newbattle Beekeepers Association.

Club secretary Alan Crawford said: “At a time when we are all trying hard to work with nature to protect the environment, it was felt this was a perfect partnership.”