MENTION the word darts at the Duke of York Hotel in the Waterside area of Darwen 50 years ago and the conversation would naturally be aimed at the Gosling Brothers.

For seven of them used to turn out for the pub in Darwen’s amateur league.

Licensee Bob Blackburn, told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph in 1964: “I’m sure it must be a record.

“It’s certainly unusual for so many brothers to play for one team and we are very proud of their association with us.”

The brothers – an eighth was a geologist in Saudi Arabia – had all lived within a stone’s throw of the hostelry in their younger days.

In 1964, the eldest Trevor, 42, Hubert 38, and Raymond 28, all lived in Waterside Terrace.

The youngest Gosling, Clifford 26, lived in Sunnyhurst Close, Fred, 32, in Olive Lane, Arthur, 34, in Vernon Street and Norman, 33, in Chapels.

Hubert said: “We have all been taking the game seriously since we were old enough to drink and there couldn’t be a keener family anywhere.”

Over the years they had played for The Duke, they collected dozens of cups, trophies, medals and prizes and helped steer the pub to top spots in the local league and knock-out competitions.

Hubert, a bachelor, was the unofficial captain of the team and acknowledged as the best player among them.

The Telegraph reported 50 years ago that the brothers had been in touch with the Greenwood family of Colne, who boasted a team of five – father, three sons and a nephew – and had thrown down the gauntlet to a similar darts-playing family.