A COMMUNITY pool league is holding a sequence of knockout tournaments next month.

The Stanley and District Pool League, which holds matches at The Board Inn in Shield Row, has organised the contest as the seasons draws to a close on April 8.

After this, singles, doubles and group knockout competitions will get underway ahead of a prize giving in June.

Nine teams from six pubs in the area with more than 70 players are competing in the league.

League secretary and long term player Stu Brown: “It is like a family, dysfunctional at times, but I love the atmosphere, camaraderie and sportsmanship.”

Jan Lynch, landlady of The Board Inn, provides food for the players and said: “I put some food on which and the pool tournaments bring business to the pub on quiet weekday nights.”

The Stanley & District Pool League was originally hosted by The Garden House, but moved to The Board Inn in 2013.

This year, seasoned Stanley player Michael Oliver was selected for the UK pool tour.

At a national Challenge Cup match in Blackpool, he beat two times world champion Mick Hill.