POOL players hope to chalk up victory in the final of a national pool competition.

The players, from The Brinkburn pub in Lady Kathrine Grove, Darlington,will compete for the title of the UK's number one pool team.

Doug Richardson, Mark Earnshaw, Mike Earnshaw, Paul Stanton, Colin Jinks and Mark Heard, will battle it out for a share of £3,180 prize money.

For the past four months, more than 80 teams from pubs throughout England and Scotland have been competing in the competition organised by community pub chain John Barras.

Team spokesman Mr Richardson said: "We never thought we'd make it this far and are delighted to be in the final. We've been practising hard this week and hopefully we'll come back with the crown."

They will compete against nine other teams in Saturday's final at The Moss Vale in Urmston, Manchester.

Mr Richardson has also reached the final of the singles competition, which was entered by more than 450 competitors.

Jim Davies, manager of The Brinkburn, said: "Pool is something our pub is famous for locally. However, I can't believe we've managed to reach the finals in both the singles and team event. It is a fantastic achievement."

The winning team will receive £1,000, with runners-up receiving between £150 to £600. In the singles, the winner will receive £750 with runner-up prizes between £50 and £200.