BEERS, bellies and bullseyes were the order of the day at the Reebok this weekend - and it was sporting entertainment at its very best!

More than 6,000 darts fans packed into the Reebok's Premier Suite over four days as the best players in the world competed in The Blue Square UK Open - dubbed the "FA Cup of Darts".

Darts is one of the most watched sports on television these days - and few of the spectators packed into the Reebok will have walked away without a smile on their face.

Gone are the days when the world champion would stand at the oche, chain-smoking his way through 40 Marlboro Lights.

Darts is big business and the players, with nicknames such as The Power, Hawaii 501 and Superman, have taken the sport to new heights with their undoubted talent, skill and showmanship.

This year, there was £178,000 worth of prize money on offer to the 134 entrants, from nine different countries - with £35,000 going to the winner.

With eight games being played simultaneously on different boards during the early stages of the competition, there was plenty of choice for the spectators, who got into the spirit in more ways than one.

The atmosphere became more electric by the minute, as the spectators, a fair few in fancy dress, enjoyed a beer while vociferously supporting their favourite players.

However, unlike other sports, the atmosphere never threatened to turn ugly and it really was a fun-filled event for everyone.

"It's a brilliant night out," said Frank Cullen, who had travelled from Bradford to the event to support his son, Joe Cullen, aged 17, who was beaten in the third round by Chris Mason.

"When you see your son up there, it's your world."

"I would rate it as 10 out of 10 for entertainment," said Carol Gornall from Blackburn, who was watching the darts for the first time.

"We are here to support Phil Taylor, and it's a great place to come with your family and friends to watch quality sport and enjoy a drink."

Shirley Turner, from Farnworth, said: "The standard of darts that has been played is incredible and I've had a brilliant weekend."

However, not everything ran quite as smoothly. One supporter had to keep taking off an entire Superman costume every time he needed the toilet!