THE new chairman of a darts and dominoes league has promised to try and restore it to its former glory.

Danny Burns has taken over as chairman of the Blackburn and District Darts and Dominoes League - 17 years after he was first involved.

Burns said: "When I was a member of league all those years ago, it was thriving with more than 60 teams playing in six divisions.

"Today, we are down to three divisions and less than 30 teams.

"It would be very difficult to get back to where we once were but I have taken over this role with the aim of attracting more teams back."

Burns said he is planning a number of incentives to entice more players back to the including cash prizes for the end of the season singles and pairs finals.

"We were once in a position where we could award cash prizes on finals night and that is something I would like to see return," added Burns. "We do have some new teams in the winter league but it would be great if we could get more to join up.

"Offering cash prizes is just one way to do it."

The league, which has recently kicked off its winter league, held its summer league presentation at the Manxman pub earlier this month.

Roll of honour - Darts - A League: winners: Clifton A, runners-up: Manxman; B League: winners: Clifton B, runners-up: Knuzden Brook; C League: winners Moorings B, runners-up: WItton Inn.

Dominoes - A League: winners: Intack B, runners-up: Clifton A, B League: winners: Punch, runners-up: King Edward; C League: winners: Intack A, runners-up: Atlantic.

Sportsmanship Trophy: Most 180s: John Phillips, Clifton Arms (7 180s).