REPRESENTING the Cross Hands pub in Pilning, Merv Hathway has won the opportunity to play on the biggest stage in world darts - the Lakeside Country Club, Frimley, during the BDO World Professional Darts Championships.

The editor of We love darts magazine won the South west regional final of the John Smith’s People’s Darts, a nationwide amateur darts tournament for pub and club players Darts legend, Bobby ‘Dazzler’ George, was on the oche at the Staddy Club in Plymouth to support the best of the South West’s darting talent, where players were battling it out for the chance to represent their region in the final stages of the competition at the Lakeside.

George handed over the trophy and a cheque for £1,000 to go to Hathway’s chosen charity, St Peter’s Hospice, Bristol.

Hathway commented: “I’m very happy to be able to donate this prize money to St. Peter’s Hospice, it’s a great cause and it’s topped off a fantastic day for me personally.”

Seven time BDO World Professional Darts Championship winner, Trina Gulliver, will now take over from George and mentor Hathway in the weeks leading up to the final stages at the Lakeside.

She will visit him at the Cross Hands for a coaching and exhibition night with Gulliver on hand to offer tips and advice.

The John Smith’s People’s Darts Final will take place ahead of the BDO World Darts Final in front of a capacity crowd during the week commencing January 4 2010 and will be televised live on the BBC.

The People’s Dart’s champion will then have the opportunity of a lifetime as he is given the extraordinary chance to compete with the best in the sport at three BDO events, including the Winmau World Masters.

Additionally, they will also win a further £14,000 for the charity of their choice, £1,000 worth of sports kit for their local pub/club and receive up to £2,500 worth of John Smith’s sponsorship.

George and Gulliver are two of eight professional darts players that will help prepare the eight regional winners for the finals.

George said: “The standard of darts on show has been terrific and we have a great finalist in Merv, who is now through to the final stages of the tournament.

“He has a magnificent opportunity to play on the most famous stage in darts and I wish him the very best of luck for January - may the darts be with him.”