Premier League star Chris Dobey helped to launch the latest "Darts on Your Doorstep" venue, in partnership with Smart Energy GB, at the Northern Social Club in Ashington on Wednesday.
The PDC in the Community scheme was unveiled last November in a ground-breaking partnership with Smart Energy GB, the independent, non-profit organisation helping households access the benefits of smart meters.
Grassroots venues across the UK will benefit from the installation of a specially-redesigned darts area to improve playing conditions, whilst club members also receive information on how smart meters can help them to better manage their energy use and stay in control of their energy bills.
Wednesday's latest Darts on Your Doorstep launch event saw Dobey unveil the new darts area at Ashington's Northern Social Club - which is located only a couple of miles from the Premier League star's Bedlington home.
The local hero joined club members for the launch, which also saw Smart Energy GB lead an information session about smart meters and PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter discuss the sport's amazing growth.
"This is a fantastic new facility and will be a big benefit to the darts players at the Northern Social Club," said Dobey, the 2023 Masters champion who will star in the Premier League at Newcastle's Utilita Arena on Thursday night.
"Darts on Your Doorstep is a great partnership between the PDC and Smart Energy GB and will be important for communities around the UK both with improving darts facilities and also educating everyone about the benefits of smart meters."
Smart Energy GB is the independent, non-profit organisation helping households and small businesses to understand how smart meters can benefit them, their families and the environment. To find out more about smart meters visit SmartEnergyGB.org.
Philippa Brown, Deputy Director of Specialist Audiences at Smart Energy GB, says of the partnership: “Darts is a game that brings people together across Great Britain, and projects like this harness that spirit to support communities.
“We’re incredibly proud of what the partnership between Smart Energy GB and the PDC has achieved so far, providing improved facilities for local darts clubs like the one here in Ashington and helping people see how a smart meter could help them get more control over their energy bills.”
Darts on Your Doorstep will reach more than 250 clubs, who will also have the chance to take part in the Smart Energy GB Darts Challenge, with the top performing clubs across the year winning a money can’t buy dart-fitting experience thanks to official equipment supplier Winmau.
Darts clubs and groups can also register for PDC in the Community through this link.