Darts champion gives winnings to pub

The champion of the John Smith's People's Darts competition has ploughed his prize money back into his local pub where he plays darts.

After triumphing in the competition held in Surrey, Tim Jones gave £1,500 to the Rose & Crown in Neath, South Wales in recognition of the role the pub played in his success.

The remainder of his winnings, £15,000, was donated to Arthritis Care, a charity close to Tim's heart as he is a full time carer for his mother Sheila who suffers from the condition.

Tim presented the cheque to the charity at his homecoming party held at the Rose & Crown, where he was congratulated by friends and family on bringing back the title in its inaugural year.

He said: "The tournament has been a tremendous journey for me and it is wonderful to be able to donate money to Arthritis Care and to give something back to the Rose & Crown."

Tim will be sponsored by John Smith's for the year and will play in three British Darts Organisation (BDO) in events including the Torremolinos Open in March 2009.