A former darts world champion and television regular has opened a shop dedicated to the sport.

Linda Batten-Duffy won the women’s world championship in 1984 and won 30 titles over a career spanning three decades.

She was also and was also a regular on 80’s darts-themed TV show, Bullseye.

Dr Batten-Duffy, who lives in Hemnall Street, Epping, launched Epic Trophies and Darts in Arlingham Mews, Waltham Abbey, on Saturday, with the help of legend of the oche, Eric Bristow.

She said: “Waltham Abbey is a hot bed for darts with a league match going on somewhere in the area every day of the week.

“Arlingham Mews seemed like a nice place for the shop because there are a lot of other independent shops around there and I thought mine would fit in well.”

Dr Batten-Duffy's son Rory, 26, and Myles, 23, will be managing the shop, which will offer accessories and clothing, as well as engraving services.

As well as being a top darts player, Dr Batten-Duffy acts as an agent for several ex-darts players and is a chartered sports psychologist and qualified darts coach.

Former darts players represented by Dr Batten-Duffy include former world number one Eric Bristow, the 'King of Darts' Bobby George and three times world champion John Lowe.

She said: “I’m hoping to offer the customers something extra when they come into the shop I can offer advice on aspects of their game.

“I also can also book the players I represent for exhibition games or trophy presentations which is something else customers might be interested in.”

Mr Bristow will be on hand at the official opening of the darts and trophy shop as well as other players from the area.
Information about the shop's products and services will be available online at www.epic-sm.co.uk shortly.