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Crown help Darren aim high

2/10/2008

A HEYWOOD darter’s two year search for a sponsor has finally hit the bullseye, meaning he can now compete all over the world, writes Amy Glendinning.

Darren Latham, who has been playing darts for 23 years, will be funded by lottery millionaires Dean Hardman and Stella Kelsall who run the Crown Inn on Bury Street.

The money means he will be able to take part in tournaments in the US and Europe in an attempt to qualify for a place in the coveted top 98 league.

Darren, who lives with wife Joanne and son Adam, 12, in Clitheroe Close, said: "I had been writing to local businesses for around two years trying to find a sponsor, and although people would give me the odd bit of money to play in a knock-out it was not enough to go to all the competitions."

Darren, who practises darts everyday in between working as an HGV driver, was previously ranked number 67 in the world, until his last sponsor pulled out and he was no longer able to compete.

However, with his new sponsorship deal he will now take part in the Professional Darts Corporation tournaments in Dublin on Saturday 4 October and in Halle, Germany, in December.

Darren, who also competes as part of The Crown’s darts team, said: "I have played darts with Dean for years so I was over the moon when they said they would sponsor me.

"I am looking forward to competing more now and trying to build up my ranking again to get into the top 98 in two years time."

Landlady Stella Kelsall said: "We have sponsored teams and sports people before and we like to sponsor things close to us.

"Me and Dean are both a fan of darts so we are happy to support Darren."