UPDATE 1-Bowleven FY loss narrows, takes $50.5 mln charge

* Takes $50.5 mln charge relating to EOV asset in Gabon

* Cash balance approximately $120 mln

* Resource estimate raised to 217 mmboe vs 203 mmboe

(Adds details)

LONDON, Nov 2 (Reuters) - Africa-focused oil and gas exploration company Bowleven Plc (BLVN.L) said its annual pretax loss narrowed slightly helped by a stronger dollar.

AIM-listed Bowleven posted a pretax loss of $10.2 million in the year to end June from a loss of $10.9 million the previous year. It took a $50.5 million impairment charge after deferring activities at the EOV asset in Gabon to 2010.

Shares in the group closed at 87.25 pence on Friday, valuing it at 168 million pounds ($278 million)

The shares rose as high as 116 pence this year boosted by offer talks before falling back after the unnamed party terminated discussions in April. [ID:nL7194671]

(Reporting by Julie Crust; editing by Rhys Jones)

($1=.6041 Pound)