GENEROUS darts fans pledged more than £350 to Operation Covert at a sell-out tournament in Kidderminster.

A raffle raised £351 at the 888.com Premier League Darts contest at the Glades Arena last Thursday night.

First prize was a dartboard signed by the world's top players, who thrilled the audience with four matches of tense action.

The venue was packed and featured top players including world champion Phil Taylor and world No 1 Colin Lloyd.

The signed dartboard was won by Kidderminster housewife Sarah Hook - but it is not going to become a feature of her Marlpool Lane home.

Her husband, Chris, is a keen darts player and has just qualified for the Budweiser UK Open in June, and the prize, signed by all seven players in action at the Glades on Thursday, is to go on display in a Kidderminster sports bar.

The 32-year-old carpet fitter is sponsored by The Clubhouse and the unique dartboard will be framed and put on display at the Mill Street bar.

Chris plays for The Clubhouse in the Kidderminster and District Darts League.

The second prize of a Dartmate - a free-standing dart board donated by its inventor, Matt Sheehan, of Clee Hill - went to Julia Trow, who was with a party from the Cleveland Arms, Willenhall.

Shuttle/Times and News editor, Clive Joyce, said: "It was the most amazing darts night ever seen in Kidderminster - the enthusiasm of the audience was tremendous and we were most impressed by the players.

"Nothing was too much trouble for them - they signed autographs and posed for pictures with fans and really played a big part in a memorable night.

"We were so grateful to everyone for their support. Members of Kidderminster Lions helped us to sell raffle tickets and it means we have another good sum to edge us closer to our target."

Snorkelling Scouts look set to raise cash for Operation Covert with a diving session at Stourport Leisure Centre.

Scouts, Cubs and Beavers are to visit the pool for the free lesson from S-O-S Divers of Stourport on Sunday. It is hoped a raffle offering a golf lesson, another diving session and meals out will boost cash for the appeal.