Darts players in the Cardigan area and further afield heard with profound regret of the sudden death of one of the biggest stalwarts locally.

Phil Noble was one of the very few who played in the Cardigan & District Darts League every season since its formation in 1971 and for some years up until his death was a member of the Cardigan Rugby Club team.

The talented thrower, who was aged 64, started his darting career with Ship Inn mine hosts Vaughan and Anne Davies, and also turned out for a handful of other local teams including a spell in the Preseli League with Penybryn Arms.

A jovial character who was popular with a host of friends in darting and other circles he was at one time compared to the late and great Welsh darts wizard Leighton Rees – many of his friends referred to him as Leighton.

He was taken suddenly ill on Thursday morning and died soon afterwards.

A member of the local league told the Tivyside: "Phil was great. He was quite a character and great sportsman – win or lose. We all extend our sincere sympathies to his wife Delyth, family and friends."