A TEAM of darts players from West Kirby Women's Institute has been crowned champions after taking part in a regional competition.

They were among 12 teams competing for the silver trophy in the Cheshire Federation of Women’s Institutes Darts contest. 

The silver trophy dates back to 1958, when the first tournament was played, and it’s the first time a team from the Wirral has won it.

There were 12 teams competing in the finals at Winnington Park Recreation Club in Northwich – earning their places by playing other WI teams in the area over two heats in the past six months.

On the night, all teams played in the first round in groups of three. The winners of each group made the semi-finals, followed by a final, best of three games.

The West Kirby WI team comprised captain Tracy Taylor, Maria Killick, Sue Nixon and Pippa Lea, who played nine games on their way to victory over Winwick WI.

Tracy Taylor said: "We've qualified for the finals for four years running now, but have never got past the first round before.

"We are as shocked as anyone that we won but are really proud to bring the cup home to the Wirral."