THE County Gazette’s darts competition has got off to a flying fundraising start.

Kicking off on Tuesday night at the Royal Oak in Ilminster, 12 plucky darts players took to the oche to test their mettle and to raise some much needed funds.

The competition is part of the County Gazette’s 180th anniversary celebrations as we look to raise £180,000 for St Margaret’s Hospice.

The contest now heads to the All Stars Bar in Taunton on Friday night, from 7.30pm, and from Trinity Bar and Club in the county town on Saturday evening, also kicking off from 7.30pm.

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The Gazette’s Lee Irving said: “Tuesday night was a great night. We had 12 players turn up, all of a reasonably high standard, and they battled it out throughout the nigh, before Mark Stock was crowned the winner.

“I would like to thank The Royal Oak for hosting the event, it was a great evening and we raised almost £100 from this one night alone, but we are hoping to increase that over the next few nights.”

Mark Stock saw off stiff competition from Frank Woodard in the final, after topping his group, and walked away as the worthy winner.

To play, it costs just £5 to enter, with all proceeds being donated to the 180 appeal. There will be a host of preliminary rounds, before a final held later in the year.

The Gazette is still looking for more venues to host other preliminary rounds. If you would like to host one, please contact Lee Irving on 01823 365102.