CUSTOMERS were bowled over by a new multi-million pound bowling complex when it opened at Brighton Marina yesterday.

Dozens swarmed into the giant Bowlplex venue, opposite the Virgin Cinema, when it kicked off at 9.30am. The £2.5 million complex, which is creating 60 new jobs, features 26 computer-controlled ten-pin bowling alleys and 12 full-sized pool tables. There is a huge Video World arcade, fast food diner and Stadium Sports Bar and Grill. And tonight will see the launch of a Bowl Jam disco night on two dance floors, with smoke machines, laser simulators and lit-up bowling lanes. As the daytime activities started yesterday, the complex was already notching-up top scores from customers. Wheelchair-user Warren Kingston, 38, of Harvard Road, Ringmer, was quick to praise the ease of access. He said: "I'm here to check things out, and so far it looks brilliant. "I used to bowl at other alleys in the Brighton and Hove area, and my first impressions are that this is a definite improvement." Garry Gladden, marketing manager for complex owners Wessex Leisure Group, said: "We held a training day on Tuesday, where we invited the emergency services in, and gave passing members of the public free tries on the alleys. "That went down well, and now everything is fully-operational and raring to go." Tonight's opening disco, which features a Hoopers Hooch scratchcard promotion, runs from 10pm.

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