Peter Manley dropped into the town's Betfred shop on Friday to meet the public and take part in a 'throw against the pro' competition.

And some of the challengers managed to put one over the former world finalist to win a range of prizes provided by the bookmakers, who are one of Peter's main sponsors.

"A couple of people have beaten me already, but I have hit one 180 so I have already upset somebody," he said.

With his trademark pink shirt and the 'Amarillo' walk-on, Peter Manley has become one of the most recognisable faces in darts.

A former world number one, he has reached the final of the world championship three times and is a former winner of the prestigious Las Vegas Desert Classic.

But the man nicknamed 'One Dart' hasn't always been the most popular figure among fans of the oche after a number of high-profile confrontations with other leading players.

Events like Friday's, however, show a different side to the man, who enjoys meeting the public and who, despite previous claims to the contrary, does care about how he is perceived by fans.

He said: "I hate to think I have upset any people out there.

"These Betfred jobs have had us going the length and breadth of the country. It's fantastic.

"We have had the old boys in having a cup of tea and writing their bets out and it has been great meeting them today and having a little chat.
"This is fun. I love doing them. I love meeting people."

At the same time, however, Peter also has his eyes fixed on the major tournaments to come, including next month's World Grand Prix in Dublin and December's World Championship at London's Alexandra Palace.

And, while he has now slipped to 13th in the world rankings, he still believes his game is good enough to make a strong challenge for the big prizes.
"I have got a chance in any tournament I play in," he said.
But anyone who wants the big prizes will have to beat a revitalised Phil Taylor and Peter hailed the recent resurgence of the man recognised as the game's greatest ever player.

"They all said Phil was going down and he was finished, yet again, but he has come back even stronger.

"The darts he played to win the Premier League and the World Matchplay were unbelievable. The guy is a credit to the sport."