MATTHEW EDGAR will be following in family footsteps when he makes his Alexandra Palace debut at the William Hill World Darts Championship on Sunday.
Daventry's Edgar will take on Darius Labanauskas in the first round as the player nicknamed "Prime Time" steps onto the biggest stage.
However, he will not be the first Edgar to compete at the famous London venue, with his Grandfather having competed in the 1963 News of the World Championship.
Edgar's family originate from Rossington, near Doncaster, where his Grandfather had competed locally before winning through to the national finals.
Edgar will be supported by ten-year-old son Tommy as he represents three generations of darters on stage on Sunday evening, proudly following in the footsteps of his Grandfather.
"He played there in 1963 and I think he reached the quarter-finals," Edgar revealed. "He qualified through Yorkshire as a regional champion and I've been told that coaches full of local villagers went to Alexandra Palace to support him.
"I've got all the memorabilia of the run, programmes, his gold and silver darts and a silver tea set.
"My Nan used to tell me all about my Grandad and passed on his memorabilia to me, and she would tell me stories about how he got playing darts.
"They didn't have a lot of money and he used to go to the local pub to play every Sunday with enough money for a bag of crisps and a pint. He would buy half a pint and then play locals for half a pint a game!
"My dad was also into darts and would work all hours possible and then take me to places like Great Yarmouth or Filey to play in camp competitions when I was growing up.
"He would never moan and always made it feel special, and I'd love for him to be here now so see my World Championship debut because he always new I'd get here.
"Losing my dad was one of the inspirations to take the game up again and make him proud, because I stopped playing for a while in my late teens and early 20s.
"I always carry either a photo in my pocket or his name on my shirt for every game because I wouldn't be where I am without him."
Edgar has competed on the PDC circuit since 2011, and has played in seven UK Opens and twice in the past three years at the Players Championship Finals - but admits that reaching the World Championship is a proud moment.
He added: "I was a darts fan before I was a player and we'd go as a family to the World Matchplay. Watching every event on Sky I was thinking that one day I'd like to be in those events.
"I've got two major goals in my career, to play at the World Championship and the World Matchplay. I'll do one this year and now I need to kick on to achive the Blackpool dream.
"I want to get into the top 64 and have to be looking for a win here - alongside this being a big game I see it as a big platform.
"Alongside that I have a reward if I win of playing Raymond van Barneveld, a five-time World Champion, which is a bucket list match for any darts fan for sure."
Edgar's preparations for the tournament have included a series of self-made "Edgar TV" videos on YouTube to show his excitement at being part of the sport's biggest event.
"These videos have been so much fun making," said Edgar. "I want to spread some smiles and I like to entertain.
"If I have a great time and bring along other people, even if I put a smile on one person's face or make one person's day a bit better then I'm delighted with that."
Edgar has become close friends with former World Championship finalist Kevin Painter in recent years, with the pair practising together in Daventry.
"Kevin is without a doubt everything I have needed along the way," added Edgar. "I've known him for over ten years now and hes been a great influence for me.
"He's had such a long-spanning career, is a major winner and a World Championship runner-up and a legend of the game.
"As a person, in practice he wants to beat you 27-0 every week. He sets and expects high standards and I think I needed that.
"Growing up in a small village and later a small town I was always made to feel special, and meeting Kevin showed me where I stand - and he sure let me know at times.
"I think in all the years I've known him I've probably had two or three "well done" texts - but they mean more than if they were regular. When Kevin Painter says well done to you then you truly have done something special!"