A touch of glamour was brought to Dagenham Leisure Park with the reopening of its bowling alley.

Barking and Dagenham Post: A Marilyn Monroe lookalike bowls the first ball at the refurbished alley Picture: Andrew H WilliamsA Marilyn Monroe lookalike bowls the first ball at the refurbished alley Picture: Andrew H Williams (Image: Andrew H Williams)

The former Namco Funscape has transformed into Hollywood Bowl following a major £500,000 refurbishment.

After being closed since September, the alley was officially opened this week by a Marilyn Monroe lookalike, who cut the ribbon and bowled the first ball.

In addition to the 20 bowling lanes - including four VIP ones hidden behind luxury red curtains - the Cook Road, Dagenham venue also offers an American-themed dining and bar area, amusements and pool tables.

General manager Nicola Grenfell said: “We’re incredibly excited about the transformation that has taken place and can’t wait to bring the full Hollywood Bowl experience to both new and existing customers in Dagenham.”