BLACK Country crown green bowlers have lost one of their finest players following the death of Charlie James at the age of 87.

At his peak, Charlie featured on television in the Champion of Champions Final at Blackpool in 1977 and also represented Staffordshire on many occasions.

He was known locally with the nickname 'Turn it over Charlie' or '21-7 Charlie' the scoreline by which he regularly beat his opponents.

Born and bred in Pensnett, Charles Henry James spent most of his life living in Kingswinford before moving to Wallows Place in Brierley Hill.

He was a foundry worker at The Round Oak Steelworks, working in the open hearth, but he later became groundsman at their sports and social club.

Initially a footballer, Charlie had trials with West Bromwich Albion before featuring for the formidable Quarry Bank Celtic side who dominated in the local leagues.

He switched to crown green bowls and became a Black Country legends in the sport, winning the Staffordshire title and competing against the best players in the country.

He represented a number of clubs including Round Oak, Warley BC, The Raven at Wordsley, Pensnett Miners Welfare Club, Brierley Hill Sports and Social Club together with Marsh and Baxter, Stourbridge and Dudley Sports.

Not only did Charlie represent these clubs, but he was also such an accomplished groundsman, he tended their greens as well.

His son, Kevin James, said: "I was immensely proud of him. It was exceptionally rare to get a bowler from Staffordshire competing at Blackpool in those days.

"He had the ability to be able to turn the bowl both ways, hence the nickname 'Turn it over Charlie'

"It wasn't unheard of for him to the tell the opposition bowlers which line to take as well, he was such a good sport."

Charlie's funeral will be on Tuesday October 6 at Gornal Wood Crematorium at 2.10pm and then later at Brierley Hill Social Club in Brettle Lane when all are welcome.