Pub's fun tribute to Stephen

The memory of a Black Country teenager who died 14 years ago will live on at a pub this weekend, where a darts knockout, beer festival and quiz will be held in his honour.

Regulars at The Old Dial Inn, Audnam, Amblecote, have been holding the event in honour of Stephen Mallen since he died. Stephen, of Brettell Lane, Amblecote, was diagnosed as having malignant melanoma when he was ten.

He was treated at Wordsley Hospital but in November 1992 he developed a brain tumour and died at the age of 17 in early 1993.

The darts tournament was launched to help pay for Stephen's funeral.

When customers decided to make it an annual event, his parents Mick and Linda and sister Steph said they wanted the money to go towards helping youngsters being cared for at Acorns Children's Hospice.

Regulars taking part have already raised nearly £10,000 over the years for the charity – and have announced an extended bumper weekend of events this year they hope will send the figure soaring towards the £15,000 mark.

A group of people have already completed a 16-mile sponsored walk from Stourport to the Old Dial.

One of the organisers, family friend Tracey Stokes, said: "There is a beer festival going on at the pub at the same time, and there will be stuff going on all weekend.

"A group of golfers are being sponsored to play on Saturday at the same time as the darts knockout, which traditionally attracts teams of two from all across the borough.

"There is a £60 prize for the winners and £40 for the runners-up.

"We also have a live band, raffles and a quiz on Sunday.

"It is the biggest event yet. We raised £3,000 last year but we hope to hit the £5,000 mark this time, which would take us close to £15,000 in total.

"It keeps happening every year because there is so much interest. Mick and Linda are so popular and well-known and people come from all over to take part."

Anyone wanting to take part in the darts knockout can call Tracey on 07815 596409.