Licensee sees off locals to win darts comp

A darts-playing licensee has seen off competition from his regulars to win the chance to play like a pro.

Grant Vickers, who has run the Ravenscroft pub in London's Shoreditch for two years, was keen to take part in the John Smith's People's Darts competition.

Just like hundreds of other pubs across the country he put on a tournament to find a pub champion - but ended up winning the event himself.

He will now represent his pub at the South of England final at the home of darts - the Lakeside in Frimley Green, Surrey, later this month.

Grant, who is a third-generation licensee, said: "It was good to win it but as you'd expect I got a bit of stick from the customers.

"It will be tough to get any further because there are going to be some good players but I will give it my best. And it will be fantastic to play at the Lakeside."

And in a further boost to the pub - which boasts five darts teams of its own - an icon of the sport, Bobby George, recently paid a visit.

Bobby took part in exhibitions against customers and spoke about his passion for both darts and the pub.

He said: "For me the mother of darts is the pub, it's where I started.

"To do well at this people need to work hard, play at their local win there and then win at other pubs. It's the only way to measure yourself."

Hundreds of competitors across the country have entered the competition, which is being backed by The Publican.

The winners of the regional finals will then slug it out at the Lakeside in January for prizes including £15,000 for a charity of their choice and the chance to play in professional events.

For more information visit www.johnsmiths.co.uk/peoplesdarts​