Dartford’s Pip Blackwell is brimming with confidence ahead of his World Darts Championship debut at Lakeside this weekend.

The 40-year-old, who lives in Northfleet, started playing darts when he was 11 and now he’s set to toe the oche in front of a live TV audience of millions.

Blackwell has been drawn against Scotland’s Ross Montgomery in the first round and the match will be played during Sunday’s afternoon session, which is live on the BBC.

He said: "I’ve beaten most of the top stars this year. None of it bothers me.

"If I play well on the day, I’ve got a chance to get through a few rounds.

"I don’t get nervous. I’m excited about it. I’m as a good as most of the players there.

"I’ve got three darts and they’ve got three darts. Why can’t I do something?"

Read the full interview in the Dartford Messenger.