A PUB tradition dating back decades is in danger of dying out now so many watering holes have turned into restaurants, according to one member trying to save it.

Marlow darts league player Paul Carter, who plays for the Duke of Cambridge pub team, said he believes the upcoming season may be the town’s last after only five teams registered for the town's own league.

The 55-year-old, who has played in the league for nearly 30 years, said with so many pubs closing down or giving over their space for food service, the age-old pub game is under threat.

With three of the six teams entered by the Royal British Legion, only the Duke, the Cross Keys and the Judo Club have rustled up enough players to make up a team.

And with the league’s AGM last month agreeing to reassess the viability of the league at the end of this season, Mr Carter said something must be done fast to stop the tradition from being just a memory.

He said: "It used to be a really thriving league, we had enough teams for two divisions back in the day, and now we have only five in the whole division.

"This year has been the poorest turn out ever. I do believe that this will be the last time that there will be darts played as a Marlow league.

"Some of the pubs in town have been pulled down and turned into housing and others are turning themselves into restaurants or bistros and the space has been taken up.

"It’s a great night out and a good way to get to know people from around the town. It would such a shame to see it die off."

Tracy Hudson, landlady of the Duke of Cambridge, says the problem is symptomatic of a downturn for traditional pubs.

She said: "It is a sign of the times. I couldn't even say where the next generation of customers are coming from.

"The younger guys used to come in because their dads drunk here, but these days 'proper' pubs don't seem to be the way forward."

At its peak, pubs all over town used to compete for the coveted Marlow darts title.

But with the Plough being demolished, and both the Carpenters Arms and Britannia changing hands, teams have dwindled in recent years.

Marlow darts league chairman Ron Rogers said if it is forced to fold, teams will have to look further afield to Wycombe and Wooburn divisions.

He said: "The hard part is the diminishing number of pubs with a dart board. It’s partly a sign of the times and it’s a great shame.

"But it’s not just pubs, it’s finding enough players and encouraging younger players to get involved."

He added that new teams or individual players are still encouraged to come forward for the new season, which started this week.

Visit www.marlowdarts.co.uk for more information.