A new knock-out competition has been launched in memory of an Oxford man who died after suffering a heart attack at the oche.

Aunt Sally stalwart Phil Butler, 51, of Dodgson Road, Cowley, was all set to take the title in the finals of the Oxford & District Summer League when he collapsed and died in November last year.

Now, pub operators Morrells of Oxford, who sponsor the Oxford & District Aunt Sally Association, have launched the Phil Butler Memorial Cup.

First round matches are under way with the semi-finals due to take place in September and the final in October. Phil's widow, Paula said : "I am so pleased that Phil's name will live on in this way. I know he would have been very proud to have this competition named after him."

Thirty-two pubs across Oxfordshire have entered the competition. In addition to the main trophy which was specially selected by Paul and her daughter Tracey there will also be medals for the winners and runners-up and a prize for the winning team.

Morrells of Oxford area manager, Alan Bidmead said: "Phil was a stalwart of the game and had played since he was a teenager.

"He was well respected in the Aunt Sally world and helped to ensure that the game remained a popular pastime at pubs across the county."

PUBS TAKING PART:

Albion, Oxford; Bell Inn, Long Hanborough; Black Swan, Oxford; Bygone Inn, Bladon; Carpenters Arms, Witney; Crown, Charlton-on-Otmoor; Crown, Finstock; Crown, Sydenham; Duke of York, Oxford; Famous Bullnose Morris, Oxford; Flying Machine, Witney; Fox, Barton; Fox, Stanton Harcourt; George, Littlemore; Harrow, Enstone; King of Prussia, Rose Hill; Kings Arms, Tackley; Kings Head, Chinnor; Kite, Oxford; Lord Kitchener, Curbridge; Old Fisherman, Shabbington; Plough, Wheatley; Prince of Ales, Oxford; Prince of Wales, Horspath; Red Cow, Chesterton; Red Lion, Eynsham; Rose & Crown, Woodstock; Seven Stars, Oxford; Three Horseshoes, Garsington; Tree Hotel, Oxford; Village Inn, Berinsfield, White Hart, Old Marston.