The ninth Sheppey Darts Classic takes place this weekend but organiser Tony Cox admits he has grave concerns over the competition’s future.

A shortfall in sponsorship and a reduced entry level this year has led Mr Cox to consider scrapping the annual charity event which regularly attracts top darts players from across the country.

The Classic, which has a £7,000 prize fund, takes place at Merlins in Leysdown on Saturday and Sunday and Mr Cox hopes it won’t be the last.

"It would be a shame to lose it but it is becoming a struggle to keep the event going," said Mr Cox. "I have to seriously consider next year’s event and whether we reduce the prize fund or blow it out altogether.

"I don’t really want to reduce the prize fund as that is what attracts people down here. I obviously don’t want to blow it out as it is something that brings an awful lot of people to the Island over the weekend. They do spend a bit of cash in the area and it would be a shame to lose it."

Mr Cox has scrapped the closing date for entries, as he hopes to make up the shortfall and an £800 deficit in the competition funds before the event begins.

"People can come along on the day – it’s not a problem," he said. "We have to take late entrants to make the money up or else it’s coming out of my pocket.

Competition begins at 11am on both days. Entrance on the gate. To enter, call Tony on 07747 676676.