You's the force, Luke

Darts shop booming due to Littler effect as star, 17, aims for world final again

- PHIL CARDY

THE darts shop where teenage sensation Luke Littler bought his first set of arrows has hit the bullseye with a boom in trade.

Fans queued outside the store just hours before Luke, 17, played in last night's semi-finals of the PDC World Darts Championship.

Luke first entered St Helens Darts Shop in Merseyside aged 11 and owner Karl Holden said the "Littler effect" on business was amazing.

He added: "It's crazy, demand is massive, bigger than ever.

"We're selling boards, lights, surrounds, everything. I don't know where they're all going.

"This time of year has always been a peak month but last year, March was even busier than December.

"Normally, come Easter, things die a death, but so many kids are playing darts now we get busier in school holidays.