JIM Ashman, the most successful York bowler of modern times, has died at the age of 70.

He was an international player for four seasons from 1977 to 1981 and was chosen to represent England in the Pairs event in the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton, Canada.

A life member of Holgate BC, he won 11 Yorkshire and three Northern Counties individual championships between 1975 and 1989, but indifferent health over several years stifled his competitive career.

He first took up the sport at Vickers Sports Club and also played for the Scarcroft and Holgate clubs. He is believed to have been York's first indoor international bowler.

Mr Ashman was a former Yorkshire captain of both indoor and outdoor bowls teams and managed the indoor Yorkshire side.

His first international appearance was at the Rugby Thornfield Indoor Stadium in 1976.

In his younger days he had some success in local football and table-tennis leagues. Before retirement he used to work in the engineers' department at Rowntree's.

Updated: 11:17 Saturday, April 22, 2006