The traditional pub game of dominoes is dying out in the West Midlands – with long-established leagues in danger of folding because they are struggling to find new players.

Pub closures, the smoking ban and more people choosing to drink at home are all believed to have played a hand in the game’s decline over the past 10 years.

Leagues across the region are reporting declining numbers of teams taking part in competitions each year – with some hit worse than others.

Among those badly affected by the changing trends is the Wordsley and District Domino League, with members unsure if they will be able to go ahead into the next season, due to start in August.

The league has been running for more than 50 years and at its height 10 years ago had more than 18 teams competing at regular events. But last year the number fell to just seven.

Members today said if the number of teams fell below seven there was no way the league could continue.

They are now looking for people from Lye, Stourbridge, Wollaston, Amblecote, Kingswinford and Brierley Hill to form teams of five.

League secretary Geoff Willetts said: “If the number of teams falls below seven, we will have to fold.” Call 01384 270823 to take part. Meanwhile, the White Cross Dominoes League in Stafford has had only 23 teams take part in its summer league this year. Secretary Trevor Pattyson said they usually had three divisions of 12 in the winter and two in the summer.