BURPING loudly was one of the tactics used by former world darts champion Andy Fordham when he played in a town centre bar recently.

He would never get away with it during a tournament, but when facing pub team players at Lucorum, he could do whatever he wanted.

The 27-stone BDO legend is better known for his love of beer, but ale was not responsible for his gastric outburst on this occasion.

He used to drink about 20 bottles of Holsten Pils before every game, which he calls 'a few drinks to calm myself down'.

On Thursday, however, Andy was sticking to his post-Celebrity Fit Club regime by drinking white wine and soda.

First up was Tommy from Wakefield, and to even things up a bit, Andy lent him his darts to use for one shot.

Tommy racked up 223 with the six darts, but still lost.

He might have had a chance if the person who was keeping score had not been replaced. He was having some trouble working it out, and was hastily trying to use his telephone as a calculator before someone else stepped in to take charge.

Andy says he has been beaten by pub team players a few times. "With one leg of 501, if they go first they've got a good chance of winning.

"I don't mind losing though, I don't take it too seriously, and at the end of the day it's all about entertainment.

"People want to go back to the pub and tell their mates they've beaten Andy Fordham."