The Sheppey Darts Classic has been given a major boost after the British Darts Organisation awarded ranking points status to the championship.

It means some of the BDO’s top players, who are currently competing in the televised Lakeside World Championships, will be heading to the island later this year.

Valuable England and Grand Prix ranking points will be available to competitors who make the latter stages of the competition on June 16 and 17 at Merlins.

Classic organiser Tony Cox (pictured) has been pushing for an inclusion on to the BDO’s ranking points calendar and after nine years of trying, he has finally got approval.

He said: "I’m over the moon at the decision. It means the standard of the competition will be a lot higher.

"I expect a lot more entrants as players from across the county will want the chance to play some of those they see competing on television.

"It’s hard work organising the Classic every year and we have struggled to get sponsors, although they have always come through.

"We hope this news will help us get the backing we need."