ACCRINGTON’S Jamie Guilfoyle is top of the shots after winning the North West Regional final of the John Smith’s People’s Darts competition.

The 26-year-old distribution technician has now sealed a place on the biggest stage in world darts at Lakeside during the BDO World Professional Darts Championships in January.

Seven times ladies BDO World Darts Champion, Trina Gulliver, was on the oche at King George’s Hall, Blackburn, to support the best of the North West’s darting talent in the second year of the tournament.

Following the exciting final, Trina handed over the trophy and a cheque for £1,000 to go to Jamie’s chosen charity, The Accrington Victoria Hospital.

Jamie said: "It has been fantastic fun and I can’t believe I have made it through to the finals at Lakeside, I’m delighted."

Last year’s Lakeside finalist and Lancashire favourite Tony "Silverback" O’Shea will now mentor Jamie in the weeks leading up to the final stages at the Lakeside in Surrey.

Tony will visit Duncan at his local John Smith’s club, The Sydney Street WMC in Accrington, for a coaching and exhibition night where he will be on hand to offer tips and advice.

Guilfoyle saw off Steve Jackson from Salford in his semi-finals in Blackburn, checking out out in just 14 darts in the second leg.

He faced David Adshead from Warrington in the final in the best of five legs. Adshead took the first leg and looked good for 2-0, but his dart at single 20 to leave double fell out and Guilfoyle stepped in to level.

Another mix up for Guilfoyle cost him the third leg as he went for double 16 when needing double 11.

David took advantage of the miscount to lead 2-1, but Jamie settled again quickly to level the match 2-2.

In a dramatic final leg, Adshead left himself 40 only for Guilfoyle to hit the bullseye and double 16 for a perfect 82 finish and book his place at the Lakeside finals early next year.

Jamie will now face other regional winners in the John Smith’s People’s Darts Final which take place ahead of the BDO World Darts Final in front of a capacity crowd and will be televised live on the BBC.

The People’s Dart’s champion will then have the opportunity of a lifetime as he/she is given the 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.