Bradford-on-Avon darts veteran Annie Skinner had a huge surprise when she celebrated 50 years playing on the oche in the town’s ladies league – a shock visit which really hit the bullseye.

It was a double celebration for Mrs Skinner last week, marking five decades of darts and her 80th birthday.

Annie, who plays for the Rising Sun team, was thrilled when her friends presented her with a birthday bouquet at the Mount Pleasant social club in the town.

But she was more than surprised later when her children, Stephen, Gary and Sharon, staged an unannounced lunch party and gave her the special present of a visit from her sister, Valerie Coleman, who had come 10,000 miles.

“My children flew my sister over from New South Wales,” said Annie, “never mind a big surprise, it was a hell of a shock.”

She added: “We hugged and cried and then I bought her a pint.”

Annie, whose top score at darts is 115, says she has no intention of packing away her flights yet.

“I’m not good, I’m rubbish, but I’m not giving up, I really enjoy playing, for the camaraderie and the fact that all the girls are lovely,” she said.