An animal charity has been left with debts of £900 after a darts fundraising event was abandoned, writes Rebecca Smith.

West Oxford Animal Rescue had hoped to raise money for a new clinic by holding a marathon darts record attempt with guest appearances from professional players.

Janet Butler, who runs the charity from her home in Sweetman's Road, Botley, Oxford, stopped the event at Cowley Community Centre, Barns Road, after she found she would make a loss.

She has now been left with a bill of £900 for appearance fees. John Penman, of Windrush Tower, Blackbird Leys, was attempting to break his world record of 184 hours of continuous darts playing set last year.

Mrs Butler said: "There should have been a packed hall every night and it wasn't. I saw it as a bit of an investment, but we weren't going to make the money back and now I have been left with the players' fees."

Mr Penman said: "The players appeared for discounted fees but they still need paying. They turned down other work to come here."

Mrs Butler now hopes to sell the signed footballs, shirts and cricket bats that were to be auctioned during the event at a later date.

Story date: Thursday 13 May

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