STROOD darts player John Ferrell is preparing for possibly the most important month in his sporting life as he prepares to take part in the Embassy BDO World Darts Championships for the first time in the new year.

Ferrell, nicknamed The Joker, secured his place in the finals by defeating Welsh international Richard Herbert, including a 117 check out to win the third and deciding set. He said: "I played well to get into the finals and I'm looking forward to the challenge of playing in front of a capacity crowd."

The 40-year-old courier meets number six seed Bob Taylor in the first round at the Lakeside Country Club in Surrey on Monday, January 7. He added: "There's plenty to play for with £2,650 for a first-round loser up to £50,000 for the champion.

"There's such a buzz when you're up there in front of all those people. It's difficult to put into words how special it is."