A PUB landlord is determined to stage his annual darts competition tomorrow, despite £500 of prize money being stolen.
Baz Barrett, owner of The Doghouse, on Carlton Hill, will not let the thieves who burgled his pub and attached recording studio stop the Carlton Open competition.
The burglars, who broke in through the beer cellar by taking bricks out of the wall in the early hours of last Friday morning, stole the safe containing prize money and bar takings – a total of £3,500.
They then made their way into the recording studios where they took some of Mr Barrett's precious guitars and recording equipment.
The pub opened in September and has had a recording studio since April 2012.
Mr Barrett said: "Just because some guy with sticky fingers decides he wants to rob us doesn't mean I'm going to let them ruin the competition.
"We're just going to get on with it."
Doghouse regular Kev Hallam, 51, said: "I've got a lot of admiration for Baz to go ahead with it after the burglary."
Mr Hallam has been going to the pub since it opened and his children, Jack, 11, and Emily, 8, use the studio facilities.
"They love it. Emily's always jumping around on the stage. There's a real community feel to the place," he added.
Mr Barrett took over the reins this year from his father, George, who ran the darts contest for 15 years at Ollerton Miners Welfare and Boughton and District Social Club before calling it quits two years ago.
George, 68, of Ollerton, and former secretary of Nottinghamshire Darts, said: "I'm proud that my son has taken it on. It's given me some great memories over the years – I met some great people playing."
George and friend Erol Golder, 50, have donated £500 between them to replace the stolen prize money, but George won't be playing this year.
"I'm too old to throw them any more, I'll leave that to the younger ones," he said.
He's been helping Mr Barrett with preparation work, including adding eight dart boards for tomorrow's competition.
The Carlton Open is expecting 100 entrants for the 501 competition, and Mr Barrett is keen to tell the public that it is still on.
"There are still plenty of places left and people can pay their entry on the door," he added.
"We will make sure the winners get the full cash prize."
Entrants who want to reserve a spot can pay an £8 advance fee or turn up on the day and pay £10 to take part. It is free for spectators.
Notts Police confirmed the incident was reported at 8.30am on Friday June 28.
They are asking for any witnesses or people with information to call them on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
