A darts player who spent 50 years stepping up to the oche in and around Wolverhampton has lost his battle against cancer. John Nixon, aged 70, played with big names such as Eric Bristow and Phil Taylor and won numerous trophies.

Mr Nixon, who had six children, 19 grandchildren and two great grandchildren, began playing at 15. The former Eastfield School pupil was part of several teams, including the Express & Star and Goodyear sides.

Mr Nixon leaves his wife Shirley, aged 66, who he had been married to for 42 years.

The former coalman, who lived in Rakegate, had been living with cancer for the past 18 months.

Daughter Teresa Campbell, aged 46, said: “Darts was very important to him and he’s played it for 50 years. He was playing up until the end.”

Mr Nixon took part in a number of fundraising events for Compton Hospice and the Deanesly Centre at New Cross. His family thanked the staff who cared for him.

l Mr Nixon’s funeral will be held on Friday at 3.30pm in the West Chapel at Bushbury Crematorium. Anyone who knew him has been invited to attend.