A COMPETITION created in the memory of a talented darts player will be held annually following the 'huge success' of the inaugural event.

The Nikki Lavery Memorial Darts Competition was held at The Waterloo Pub in Barrow last month to honour the memory of keen darts player Nikki Lavery.

Nikki Lavery died in December 2017 after struggling with mental health issues.

The 32-year-old was well-known among local darts leagues as captain of the Last Orders in Barrow and reached the finals of the The Mail's Darts Championship in 2017.

The dad-of-four was 'part of the furniture' at Last Orders, now known as The Waterloo Pub, regularly competing in their darts competitions.

Friend Kevin Hubbold described him as full of 'charm and laughter' and the 'life and soul' of the pub.

"He would do anything for anyone no matter how big or small," the shipyard worker said.

"He would lift the atmosphere in the pub. We used to say he was part of the furniture because he'd be in the pub so often.

"It was always full of laughter when he was in. He really was the life and soul of the pub."

Mr Hubbold, whose parents Sharon and Kevin run The Waterloo Pub, felt intent on honouring Mr Lavery's life by creating a memorial darts competition in his memory.

He said: "I know another pub had created a competition for him but I felt it was important for us to do one because this was home. He spent so much time at Last Orders.

"We wanted to continue his legacy at the pub so people can remember him for years to come."

The event, which was held on December 4, was hailed a 'huge success', raising more than a £1,000 for the mental health charity Mind in Furness.

Mr Hubbold said: "It was the first event we had run like this before and we’ll definitely be running more in the future.

"The feedback from players and spectators was all brilliant.

"The total raised was £1,106.50 It was a lot more than we were hoping – I expected around £200 and £300 so we were really shocked by everyone’s generosity.

"I’m flabbergasted, everyone blew it out the water with the donations."

Ross Rimmer was crowned the winner of the competition, with hopes to continue the contest every year in Nikki's honour.

He said: "We’ve already started planning for December this year and hope to make it an annual event in Nikki’s memory.

"Some of his old friends were present and we thought the event was a great way to honour Nikki’s memory.

"The money is going to a great cause. Mind in Furness needs our donations more than ever – especially during this pandemic in which a lot of people are struggling."