IT MUST be something in the beer...

But whatever it is, membership of the ladies darts team at a Ringwood pub is proving very fruitful.

Known as the Hunter's Love Puffs, the women are certainly living up to their name.

In just their first season, half the squad at the Hunter's Lodge on Southampton Road have fallen pregnant.

Even Hattie the pub cat is getting in on the act.

She gave birth to a litter of three kittens in July.

Landlady Maria Urwin said: "The team only got together last September and four have already got pregnant."

First off the mark in the mum-to-be stakes was the landlady's own daughter-in-law, Claire Storrie, who gave birth to baby Ellie in February.

Next in line is Caroline Melbourne, whose first baby is due in a matter of weeks.

Her partner Tom Corlett is an honorary member of the Love Puffs and he's taken a lot of flak from the regulars.

Caroline said: "There have been aspersions cast, with him being the only man on the side!"

Two others on the team, Sarah Parker and Sarah Turner, will also be new mums by the end of the year.

The ladies play in the Ringwood Darts League with around a dozen other sides from the town's pubs.

Landlady Maria admitted: "They've not had much success so far. I think their minds have been on other things."

Caroline added: "It's a mixed league but nearly all the players are men. We're the only ladies' team.

"All the chaps laughed when we signed up but we have won the odd game or two."

All the new babies could leave the team a bit short of players when the season begins.

Maria said: "At the moment, we're recruiting like mad for members.

"It's either that or we'll have to have a creche upstairs every Monday night.

"But for some reason, people have been a bit wary of joining the team!"

If you fancy the occasional game of darts on a Monday evening and having a girls's night out with the Love Puffs (pregnancy optional), call Maria on 01425 474366.