The darts playing firemen of Appledore are county champions.

They swept the board in the Devon Fire service finals at Exeter, winning the team and individual championships without losing a leg.

It is the first time that Appledore have won the championship. Torrington, who won the team title four years ago, are the only other local unit to have done so.

Our picture shows Messrs Ed Peake, Wilf Tanton, Fred Bennett, Bill and John Bowden being congratulated by their Sub-Station Officer, Mr Albert Powe.

Appledore beat Torquay 4-0 in the semi-finals and Moretonhampstead by the same margin in the final.

Fred Bennett became singles champion by defeating Edgar Clark 2-0 in the semi-finals and Harry Winstanley 2-0 in the final.

Fred Bennett and Wilf Tanton play in Bideford Darts League for division one champions Ship Star. Bill Bowden and Ed Peake play in the Appledore League, Bill for Gunners and Ed for Bell Boys.

Gazette article dated 23 April 1965