THREE men are hoping to set a world record this weekend in a 40-hour charity darts marathon.

Tony Mitchell, Glenn Moody and Andy Cree, all of whom play for Marske Workingmen's Club in the Cleveland Superleague, hit upon the idea of doing something for cancer charities following the death of Glenn's sister last year.

The record-breaking attempt involves two of the men throwing for an hour while the third sits out. The idea is to score a total of one million and one in the shortest time possible.

The marathon, which starts at 6pm tonight at the Yorkshire Coble pub in Redcar, will probably not be over until Sunday lunchtime.

The three are hoping they can attract as much support as possible. Redcar MP Vera Baird has promised she will be there to give her encouragement during the final stretch of the challenge.

A team of independent markers will also be present to verify the score for the world record bid.

It is hoped the event will raise more than £4,000 for Teesside Hospice and the Imperial Cancer Research Fund. There will also be a raffle with items donated by professional darts players.