Following successful lawn bowls tours to Israel in 2011 and 2012, the Maccabi Lawn Bowls Association will be returning to the region in this autumn.

Tour organiser, and Maccabi GB Vice President, Stuart Lustigman said: "The last two tours were so successful that I could not accommodate everyone that applied for this year's tour. Consequently, I have organised two back-to-back tours and, so far, a total of some 60 places have been reserved".

The tours will take place from September 29 to October 7 and October 7-15. Each tour will play four matches against local opposition and seven of Israel's lawn bowls clubs have agree to host the visitors.

In addition to competing, the groups will enjoy a full programme of educational, cultural and social activities with visits to places of interest not always frequented by tourists in Israel.

Lustigman said: "We still have a few places available and non-playing partners are also very welcome. As always, sport is a great vehicle to expose people to the Israel experience both young and not so young.

“This will bring to 12 the number of sports tours to Israel that I have organised since the year 2000 and it's great to know that the participants and the State of Israel both derive mutual benefit.”