A rallying call to the oche has been made by organisers of a female darts league.

New players and teams are needed to bring the Fencehouses and District Ladies Darts League up to strength, after a gradual dwindling of numbers in recent years.

The once flourishing league, which stages its presentation for last season’s winners and high achievers, next Tuesday, immediately looks to the next campaign with the formation meeting for the forthcoming season, the following night.

League organisers hope any group of keen female darts players, from pubs, clubs and community organisations across the area from Houghton-le-Spring to Chester-le-Street, might like to come forward to try their hand at the traditional bar game.

"We’re looking to get a few more teams on board for next season because numbers have gradually run down over the years," said league treasurer Lesley Ainsworth.

"You don’t need to be brilliant, just competent players with a basic knowledge of the game.

"Ideally teams will have six players, but four or five would be enough to enter a team.

"We play weekly, on Tuesday nights, on a home and away basis."

Players must be aged 16 and over, as the venues are predominantly licensed premises.

The presentation night is at the Royal British Legion Club, in Fencehouses, on Tuesday, with the formation meeting for the new season at the Station pub, also in Fencehouses, on Wednesday, November 11, at 7.30pm.

Next season begins on Tuesday November 17, with further details available from league secretary Denise Dixon, on 0191-385 5321.