Michael Smith and local rugby team honored in his hometown of St Helens

Becoming PDC World Darts Champion and world number one, Michael Smith has had quite a year so far and Bully Boy has now been honoured further in his hometown of St Helens.

In a civic reception at St Helens Town Hall on Monday, Smith's World Darts Championship triumph was celebrated, as was the St Helens Rugby League team's success in the World Club Challenge.

“We were delighted to welcome Saints and Michael Smith to the Town Hall for a very special civic reception - a celebration of their achievements over recent years," said St Helens Borough Council Leader, Councillor David Baines. “Both are obviously World Champions - they’re both the best at what they do, they’re the best of St Helens and the best in the world, so we’re delighted to be able to celebrate them and honour them in this way."

The impact of Smith's success on the potential next generation of darting stars in the area cannot be underestimated either. “We’ve got a town hall full of young people from community clubs - whether it’s rugby league or darts academies locally - who are seeing these people achieve things on the world stage that they hope to do one day, so it’s inspiring the next generation," continues Baines.

“It means a lot. It’s nice, just to be recognised for the achievements I’ve had,” Smith added. “This is not only for myself, but for my town, my family, my friends as well. They’ve been all been on board and especially on a night like this, it does feel good.”