PLANS are well underway for a fundraising darts competition.

The News’ sister paper, the Somerset County Gazette, is marking its 180th anniversary by launching a fundraising campaign in aid of St Margaret’s Hospice in a bid to raise £180,000.

As part of the campaign, the Gazette and the News are teaming up to host a county-wide darts competition.

There are a host of events taking place, and the Royal Oak in Ilminster is one of the pubs in south Somerset to host a competition.

The pub will host a preliminary qualifying round on Tuesday, July 5.

It costs just £5 to enter, with all proceeds going to the hospice.

There will also be a host of other mini-competitions people can enter, for a nominal fee.

The competition will be a best-of-five, depending on number of participants, knockout competition, with the top four all qualifying for the finals contest later in July.

The News' Lee Irving, who is organising the event, urged local darts enthusiasts to get involved.

He said: “Darts is renowned for being a fun and lively sport, and we could not think of a better competition for our fundraising drive.

“St Margaret’s Hospice is a brilliant charity that does so much for people in their hour of need, so if we can reach our target of £180,000 we would be delighted.

“It is sure to be a great event at Royal Oak in Ilminster, and I am hoping a lot of local ‘arras fans will come and take part in the competition.”

If you cannot make the event, do not fear – there are a host of other qualifying rounds in other pubs across Somerset.

The Wellington Arms in Rooks Bridge, where world champion Gary Anderson practises, will also host a competition on Wednesday, July 6.

Spenny’s Sports Bar in Bridgwater will also host a night on July 4, and All Saints Bar and Trinity Bar Club in Taunton will also host a round.

For more information on the event, or if you would like to host an event or take part, and to see a full list of places hosting the competition, visit chardandilminsternews.co.uk or call 01823 365102.