THE Bolton Juniors Open Darts Competition is set to become an annual event after a successful inaugural tournament.

Organisers from the Bolton Triple D Darts League were so encouraged by the interest in their first-ever competition at Rumworth Hall on Prescott Street, Daubhill they had no hesitation in deciding to hold it again next year.

The event was open to all children in two age-group categories – 6-9-year-olds and 10-15-year-olds.

Matthew Hooton won the older age group, throwing some fantastic darts to beat James Bentley in the final.

Leon Bentley is the champion in the younger competition after coming out on top in the final against Jessica Hutchinson.

Himani Kansara and James Smethurst were the losing semi-finalists in the 10-15 competition with Jack Ogle and Robyn Hulme completing the last four in the younger age group.

Organiser Darren Bentley, the darts secretary of the Triple D Darts League, said: "It was a fantastic opportunity for our junior darts players to show what they can do and will be eager to go for it again in 2017."

Now they have found the best young darts players in the town the organisers are looking to find the best senior players by setting up the first ever senior Bolton Open Championship early next year for both men and ladies.