'Luke Littler effect' inspires Great Yarmouth darts players

Luke Littler, pictured in action in the final of the World Darts Championship, is encouraging interest in a new youth darts club, pub landlord Adam Thompson says

A pub landlord says the "Luke Littler effect" has led to 50 to 60 children registering interest in a new darts club he has set up.

Adam Thompson, 38, of The Windmill pub in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, said the success of teenage darts sensation Littler had inspired them.

Mr Thompson started the club over what he said was a lack of places in the county for youngsters to play.

He appealed for donations of equipment, leading to an "incredible" response.

"We have three or four kids that come in here that love darts and there is nothing for them, unless they go all the way down to Stowmarket," said Mr Thompson.

Luke Littler recently became the youngest player to reach the PDC World Darts Championship final, at the age of just 16.

After Mr Thompson wrote on social media about his plan to start a club for youngsters, his post was shared more than 250 times.

He was pleased by the response to his appeals for donations of darts equipment.

"Yarmouth is a big part of Norfolk. There is so much talent and people want to help out so much here," he said.

The pub has a number of dartboards set up

Mr Thompson says there is a new generation of players inspired by Littler.

"These lads now are so talented. They are on a different level. It's the Luke Littler effect," he said.