WHEN it comes to winning, old habits die hard for Darwen dominoes demon Jimmy Marsden.

For the 78-year-old is still knocking spots off the opposition as part of the Liberal WMC's evergreen side -- and he's just scooped yet another trophy to prove it!

Another highly successful season has seen Jimmy, who lives on Clarence Street, pick up the award for most individual 3-0 victories in the CIU League -- eight in total -- and not for the first time.

"It's my third trophy in four years -- a feat I'm immensely proud of," said the father of five and grandfather of nine.

"As long as you can physically see the spots on the dominoes then age is no barrier in this game. Snooker's a different kettle of fish mind -- I used to play before the War but I struggle to see the end of the table nowadays!"

Jimmy, whose time at the Liberal stretches back for as long as he can remember, has achieved near celebrity status through his exploits on the dominoes circuit, as fellow club member Keith Cookson testifies.

"Jimmy is a very popular figure and almost has cult status in the CIU League," he said. "What he doesn't know about dominoes ain't worth knowing -- he has a great knowledge of the 'ins' and 'outs' of the game."

"I suppose I am pretty well known in these parts -- often by my nickname 'Jimmy Domino'," added Jimmy. "People think I'm domino mad, even when there's no match on I like to challenge people in the club to a game." Amazingly, despite Jimmy being in his twilight years, he's not the oldest player on the team -- that privilege goes to doubles partner Bob Whalley.

"Bob's a few months older than me so we make a right pair! Whenever we are playing a match together the opposition quite often says "oh heck, here come he big guns" because we've got around 100 years combined experience in the game.

"In fact, the youngest player in the team must be at least 40, there's certain games which require a good deal of craft and nous, and dominoes is one of them." Jimmy, formerly in the paper trade, has been married to Eunice for 57 years -- roughly around the same length of time he's been playing dominoes!

"Although I'm getting on in years I feel I've a few more competitive matches in the locker. My mind feels as sharp as ever and so long as I can pick up a domino then there's no stopping me!"

One thing's a 'knock-on' certainty -- Jimmy won't be changing his spots in a hurry!

Thisislancashire's special Pride of East Lancashire section...