Darts king Eric backs campaign

Darts legend Eric Bristow has thrown his weight behind the campaign to preserve a traditional Black Country boozer.

The trophy laden star was back in the region last night showing off his skills at an exhibition at the Three Crowns pub in Coseley.

But he also took time out to add his voice to the ongoing campaign to save pubs in the area from the bulldozers.

The arrows star, known as 'The Crafty Cockney', has already signed his name to the petition to save the Boscobel Tavern in Tipton from closure, the latest in a long line of Black Country pubs facing the axe in recent months.

He is a close friend of Boscobel landlord Mick Bargota and was keen to once again show his support to the Park Lane West venue.

"I've known Mick for ages, we're family friends," he said. "It's a nice pub and it's doing well. It's a family pub and that is what it's all about."