EIGHT of the UK's best bowling players will come together for an annual event in memory of Army reservist Lance Corporal Craig Roberts.

It has been 10 years since L/Cpl Roberts, of Penrhyn Bay, died. He died along with three other army reservists on the Brecon Beacons mountain range in South Wales after suffering heatstroke on July 13 2013.

This year's 'Craig Roberts Memorial' will take place at Rhos Park Bowling Club on Thursday, August 3 at 5.45pm.

The confirmed line up of players includes: John Bailey (Llanrwst); Simon Coupe (Preston); Wayne Ditchfield (Standish); Jack Dyson (Huddersfield); Jack Hargreaves (Hyde); Tommy Johnstone (Poynton); Paul Bailey (Sheffield) and Callum Wraight (Shrewsbury).

Each year funds are raised for a charity chosen by L/Cpl Roberts's parents. This year proceeds from the night will go to Troop Café (Change Step).

L/Cpl's close friend Daniel Jones, who went to school with L/Cpl Roberts, has organised the event for the past eight years. 

"Craig did not play bowls and probably never tried it, but I’ve played since I was about six and thought it was a good idea to promote the game in our area and encourage youngsters to try a new sport," he said.

"This also created a centrepiece for the Colwyn bowls festival. Most importantly I get to keep the memory of Craig going and raise funds each year for a charity of Craig’s parents choice.

RELATED STORIES

"It is 10 years this year since Craig’s passing and iI could never of imagined we’d of supported eight different charities and raised well over £10,000 in that period of time [two events were not held due to covid].

"Craig had a real get up and go attitude always thrived to be the best in whatever he took part in. He’s inspired me to keep his memory alive.

"We all miss him dearly. This is my way of repaying his friendship."

The winner of the night will receive £500; Runner Up £250 and Semi Finalist £125. Entry is £3 (includes a programme). 

The night, which is held in association with Blue Border Sports, will feature a bookmaker, bar facilities, a large raffle, BBQ and hot and cold refreshments.

L/Cpl Roberts, a former Ysgol John Bright pupil, was 24 when he died in 2013. He was in the process of completing a 40-mile hike as part of a four-week training regime for Territorial Army SAS reservists.

L/Cpl was part of the 3rd Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment, having served in the Territorial Army for more than five years - including a six-month tour in Cyprus with the UN Peacekeeping Corps.

Reservist L/Cpl Edward Maher also died. Corporal James Dunsby died at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital from multiple organ failure two weeks later.