The new entry system enables competitors to enter information online, with the ability to pay by credit or debit card.

The Bowls England National Championships, the headline event of the annual calendar, are scheduled between August 5 and September 3 at Victoria Park in Royal Leamington Spa.

"Feedback provided to us by our members identified the desire to be able to submit entries into our competitions using an online facility," said Tony Allcock, Bowls England's chief executive.

"We are delighted that this has been a success and offers our members the opportunity to enter competitions without the need to use a postage stamp and post box."

Once entries have been received and processed, the list of competitors can be viewed via relevant links online.

Members have been reminded that entries close on February 1, 2017.

Earlier this week, Bowls England signed up Hoburne Holidays as its official sponsor.

The company, which runs holiday parks in areas of the country including Hampshire, Dorset, Devon, the Cotswolds, Cornwall and Somerset, will become title sponsors of the Women’s National Singles Championship as part of the deal.

This will be played as part of the 2017 Bowls England National Championships.