'Luke the Nuke' inspires next darts generation

Young darts players are fired up to win after Luke Littler became the youngest-ever darts World Champion and took the £500,000 prize money that goes with it.

The "Luke the Nuke" effect is alive and kicking in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, a coach at Shooters Leominster Junior Darts Academy said.

Chelsea said after the 17-year-old's success last year, her inbox flooded with parents wanting to get their children into darts, adding: "And it's done the same again this year."

She said it was not just about the sport: darts can also help youngsters with maths.

"We've got such a lovely team, and we've got instructors that are DBS [Disclosure and Barring Service] checked who volunteer each week that do a fantastic job," she said.

"It's not only the darts; it's the maths as well. The kids there are just unbelievable at maths. I'm still trying to count on my fingers."

Magnets on fridge

Her son Bobby, aged 11, who trains every day, said he had been inspired by Littler.

"I love playing darts. I started when I was about two years old. I started with magnet darts on the fridge," he said.

"Then I've just been watching whenever there's a game on, and I've started playing tournaments. I haven't won one yet, but I made it to the finals at one point."

Other members of the club said they had also been inspired by Littler's success.

Ronnie, aged eight, who has a dartboard at home, said he played with his father, and he would like to be in the world championships one day, while Freddie, 12, said it was great to have seen Littler's victory.

Ben, 13, said the teenage darts sensation had created a "legacy", adding: "I feel really inspired."