A MECHANIC is set to fulfill his dream of competing against darting champion Raymond van Barneveld.

Simon Novelle, from Binfield, will take on the five times world champion at a private exhibition in Birmingham on Friday, November 9.

He said: “I have been playing darts for 27 years, but never had anything like this – I can’t wait.

“He is a legend of darts and a player I have always looked up to so it is a real dream to get the chance to play him in match environment.”

The 41-year-old won a competition held by Triton Tools at the Screwfix Live three-day show in Farnborough.

He and nine of his friends will now be up against the darts professional, in a match that has been arranged by Triton Tools.

Mr Novelle said: “I met Raymond briefly once before when I was watching him play in the World Championships at Lakeside more than 10 years ago, but this is going to be very special.

“I am playing in a best of five leg match against Raymond and I am just hoping I can play well enough to snatch a leg from him.

“It is fantastic that Triton Tools have given me and nine darts-mad friends the chance to play him. I am playing in a best of five leg match against Raymond and I am just hoping I can play well enough to snatch a leg from him.”

He will get to experience being a professional darts player with an MC, referee and walk on music to the stage.

Mark Pearson, global brand manager for Triton Tools, added: "Raymond is a fantastic ambassador for us and a real legend of darts.

“We are delighted to have made this opportunity available at Screwfix Live.

"It was extremely popular and Simon produced an excellent score to win the prize.

“He is clearly a very good darts player so Raymond will have to be at his best on the day.”