Darts action hits Blackpool Tower next week when thousands of players and fans meet for the first BDO Daily Mirror World Trophy.

After the qualifiers on Tuesday and Wednesday (Feb 4 and 5), the main action kicks off on Thursday when 2013 ladies Winmau World Masters Darts Championships winner Deta Hedman, ‘The Dark Destroyer’, steps up to the oche at 6.30pm.

The BDO is also delighted to be welcoming back darts legends Andy ‘The Viking’ Fordham after two years away from the sport and Ted ‘The Count’ Hankey, who will also be celebrating his comeback after two years playing on the PDC circuit.

And Lakeside ladies champion ‘The Lancashire Rose’ will also play on Friday against Julie Gore at 9pm.

Stephen Bunting’s decision to join the PDC has also opened up the opportunity for BDO Lakeside World Championship runner-up Alan ‘Chuck’ Norris to take part in the Eurosport televised World Trophy. He will meet Andy Fordham on Thursday at 9pm.

Scott Newhouse, managing director of organisers BDO Events, said: “The World Trophy is going to be a true festival of darts. We are so pleased with the response from top players as well as from some great new talent.

“This will be a new dawn for darts and a great year for new tournaments in the world of darts. It’s going to be The Lakeside of the North.”

The tournament has been organised by The British Darts Organisation (BDO) and its new commercial partner BDO Events in a bid to develop the game by enhancing the player and fan experience. It will see players competing for a £115,000 prize pot.

Sue Williams, chair of the BDO, added: “ This is an exciting time for the game. This tournament is the result of many months of hard work and collaboration between ourselves and BDO Events. We all hope that those who will be joining us at the venue and those watching on Eurosport will enjoy this brand new major tournament on the BDO calendar.”

The World Trophy, with Special Event ranking points up for grabs, is the first in a year-long programme of events culminating in the Super Series in July.

The winner of the World Trophy will qualify for immediate entry into the playoffs at the Winmau Word Masters and the Lakeside World Championships.

Tickets range from £5 to £35 for spectators and £20 for men and £15 for ladies to take part. For further information and to register visit www.bdoevents.com or telephone 01709 555343.