DARTS player Stephen Bunting will collect his award at the mayor’s parlour after sporting commitment meant he was competing in Hong Kong on the night.

His Hattons Solicitors Sportsperson of the Year award was collected by the Mayor of St Helens Andy Bowden, who told the Star: “I am extremely proud to pick this up on his behalf of Stephen. When he gets back I have invited him into the parlour along with his sponsor, where I will present him with his award.”

Bruce Hatton who sponsored the award added: “Hattons has sponsored numerous sporting teams and individuals.

“At Saints in particular we deal with up and coming stars, but what’s amazing is the amount of darts champions in St Helens from Stephen to Alan Tabern and Dave Chisnall. To be associated with this event fits with our community based ideals.”

Stephen, from Newtown, could not make the Langtree Park event because he was competing in the Dartslive soft-tip event in Hong Kong.

And just to underline his class he won the tournament.

Footballer Conor Coady and racing driver Chris Middlehurst were highly commended.