THE County Gazette’s darts competition has got off to a flying fundraising start - and is set to soar into Taunton.

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.

Then on Wednesday, six competitiors of a high standard gathered at the Wellington Arms in Rooksbridge in the preliminary round, with a total of six top scores of 180 notched.

It was won by Ash Sandown-James, and along with Kelvin Hart, Martin Burrows and Mike Chiswell have now qualified for the finals, which will be held in Taunton at a date to be confirmed.

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.

The Gazette’s Lee Irving said: “Tuesday and Wednesday night were great nights. We had a total of 18 players turn up, all of a reasonably high standard, and they battled it out throughout the nigh, before Mark Stock was crowned the winner in Ilminster and Ash Sandown-James on Tuesday.

“I would like to thank The Royal Oak and The Wellington Arms for hosting the event, it was a great evening and we have raised almost £150 from these two nights 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.

n 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.