A Pendle darts academy, hoping to train and inspire the next Luke Littler, is set to open on October 6.

Based in the David Street Club, Barrowford, and run by former Lancashire County Darts team competitor Gary Hooper the centre hopes to nurture the next world champion while also supporting the local leagues.

But also, they hope to provide young people with the opportunity to stay off the streets, socialise and improve their maths skills.

Luke Littler burst onto the darts scene earlier this year as he rampaged through the World Championship and narrowly missed out on the title aged 16. 

He currently tops the Premier League having picked up big wins against rival Luke Humphries. 

Gary, 44, said: “Darts is booming with Luke Littler and there is a lot of interest. We want kids to come and enjoy themselves and take them to a good standard.

“We want to try and produce county players or world champions. We are hoping we can produce a world champion if we can.

“We are also trying to keep the darts league running and we hope that children can join the pub teams as they grow up.”

The team have already had boards made up and intends on having four upstairs to practice and one downstairs where attendees will be assessed and graded.

They have already received a significant amount of interest and are concerned that more than the 30 children they can accommodate will turn up.

Having already shared his expertise at Blackburn Youth Academy, one of the best darts academies in the world, Gary is now getting his coaching degree from the Junior Darts Association.

He also intends to provide private tutoring and extra lessons for those who are performing at a higher level.

Having already taken months to set up, plans also include being affiliated with the Professional Darts Association and running sessions at another location if demand requires it.

The club will open at 10am to allow time for initial registration with darts sessions taking place between 11:30am and 1:30pm.

Each session will be open for 8-17-year-olds and cost £5 and will be provided on a first come first served basis.