A DARTS trio was recovering last night after completing a 40-hour charity marathon.

Friends Tony Mitchell, Glenn Moody and Andy Cree, who all play for Marske Workingmen's Club in the Cleveland Superleague, were inspired to undertake the challenge following the death of Mr Moody's sister.

They set out to establish a new record for scoring a million and one points with the least number of darts, to raise money for the Imperial Cancer Research Fund and Teesside Hospice.

Last night, the group was suffering from aches and pains following the challenge, which began on Friday at the Yorkshire Coble pub in Redcar, east Cleveland.

Mr Mitchell said that while the scoresheets had still to be checked, he was confident of success. "I haven't got a clue exactly how many darts we used, but we are pleased that we have done it," he said.

"We have to confirm it by sending out the scoresheets."

Mr Mitchell, of east Cleveland, said that along with the proceeds from a raffle, the event should have raised about £3,500.

"We have prizes from darts players in the UK and abroad, and also things from football clubs," he said.

Mr Mitchell said that Redcar MP Vera Baird, who arrived for the last leg of the darts challenge to lend her moral support, had promised to donate a bottle of House of Commons whisky.

The draw will take place at an entertainment evening, which is to be held at Markse Workingmen's Club, on August 16.