Arrows-mad New Mills man scores bullseye serving 50 years as darts league secretary

Steve Stringer, 70, took the job on after moving to the town in 1969.

The father-of-two accepted the position the same year astronaut Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon - though he doesn't compare his own achievement to the famous Apollo 11 mission.

Just as Steve was starting out that year The Beatles were winding down their own career - with their last public performance on the roof of Apple Records.

However Monty Python's Flying Circus was aired for the first time on British televisions.

Retired Steve, who is still serving as secretary and treasurer of New Mills & District 501 darts league, said he kept going ‘because no-one else will take it on’.

He added: “It gives me something to do now I’m retired.”

Steve, who has played about 600 league games over the years, said the popularity of darts leagues had declined due to pub closures and a lack of interest from younger people.

However the league still has over 100 players with an average age of about 45-50 and knockout tournaments are held every week.

He said: “It’s a good night out - and it’s good getting over to all the other pubs.”

Pals from the league dug deep to pay for his well-deserved award - presented to him at New Mills’ Hare and Hounds pub.

A darts winners shield was also named after him.