IT STARTED as an idea thought up between friends over a pint or two.

Now, seven decades on, the Bicester and District Darts Association is still going strong.

The idea to set up and run the league from The Star Inn in Bucknell Road clearly hit the bullseye with people in and around Bicester who for 70 years have enjoyed the competition.

Since 1946, players have been competing in the league, which in its heyday had more than 90 teams.

The association, based at the Highfield Social Club in George Street, is now celebrating its 70th anniversary, which it marked with an exhibition and competition over the summer.

Bicester and District Darts Association secretary Clive Cooper said: "Former world number one Colin Lloyd put on a display of darts by challenging local players and doing a question and answer session.

"All the proceeds from the evening were donated to The Hummingbird Cancer and Therapy Centre in Launton."

A knockout competition was also held on August 19 to mark the association's milestone.

Mr Cooper said: "The event went well, with Mark Burns of Green Road Club going through six rounds to win the competition.

"He received £75 and a trophy and had to beat tough opposition to top spot including Antony Soal in the final. Semi finalists were Phil Addison and Pete Smith."

The association now has around 15 teams, which include those from pubs and clubs within a 10-mile radius of its headquarters at the Highfield Social Club.

Teams play on Friday evenings and are made up of six players in singles and pairs matches.

The association won the Super League several times from the early 1980s, and players such as Joe Dodd and Kit Young played in televised events in Las Vegas and Ireland.

In 1983 players from the Bicester Super League also went on to become Super League champions of Great Britain after winning finals at Warrington.

Former secretary John Beasley, who helped run the league for 31 years, said: "The club was originally set up by three guys in 1946. I think people had been playing between friends socially and decided to set up the league.

"There were six teams to start and it gradually built up to about 90-odd teams.

"I took over in 1983 when I was asked to join the committee as assistant secretary. We would play every Friday night and finals would be at the Rodney House Social Club.

"There wasn't snooker or pool or the things people play in pubs nowadays, so people looked forward to darts on a Friday."

If you would like to get involved with the Bicester and District Darts Association or play in the new Winter League starting in October, contact Clive Cooper on 07787 33995.