Two teams of six players took it in turns to keep the oche warm in 30-minute stints at Harborough’s Working Men’s Club, in Northampton Road, between 10am and 10pm.

The Darts Marathon event, organised by Sheila White of Harborough, also featured a raffle to which several generous town firms and national companies kindly donated.

All proceeds will be given to Jessie Mason, of Welland Park Road, and her family to spend as they wish. Jessie was diagnosed with leukaemia in December and is undergoing a two-year course of chemotherapy treatment.

Jessie, a pupil at Harborough C of E Primary School, popped in during the event and helped draw the raffle.

Once all the cash has been collected it is hoped about £1,200 will be raised. The total was boosted on the night by £66 through amusing fines levelled at the players.

Mrs White, who for many years used to organise the Harborough Ladies Darts League, said: “I was overwhelmed by the support we received.”

She thanked A&B Murphy’s Taxis, the town’s Sainsbury’s store, Harborough’s Phoenix bar and other companies who donated raffle prizes, as well as Desborough-based firm The Stitch Mine for printing free T-shirts for the players.

Special thanks were also given to Sue Tanser, Pip Monk, Jeff Alden and ‘Seddie’ who helped add up scores during the night.