Amateur darts in Wigan over the years: picture special

Darts has been a popular pub game for generations and took off in the 1970s with professional competitions. But the last few years have seen it reach a new level entirely with huge arenas round the world packed out weekly to see stars like Michael van Gerwen and teen sensation Luke Littler.

This picture collection takes fans back to earlier times and the amateur game in Wigan over several decades.

5. 1980

A ladies darts and dominoes presentation night at Wigan Railway Club in 1980. Photo: STAFF

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6. 1990

Celebrating their big win on television's Bullseye show in December 1990 are Wigan's Griffin pub darts stars Derek Wilding, left, and Mark Vidler. Photo: Frank Orrell