BULLSEYE, double top, treble 20 - they are all terms now very familiar to dozens of young Andover people thanks to a pioneering scheme set up in the town a year ago.

The Andover Invitation Darts Unicorn Academy, which runs from a room at The Entertainer pub in King Arthur's Way, is the first of its kind in the UK - and has attracted interest from all over the world.

The academy's chairman Glen Dawkins says: "The old image of darts is of beer, smoky pubs and roly-poly men - that's changing as players coming through are now fitter, can count like a computer and have great concentration and co-ordination.

"We hope that we're starting to promote that approach in this country with our members."

The club has weekly sessions, attended by its 55 members, aged between 10 and 21. It has become so popular that two sessions are now held - split between younger and older members.

The academy's professional approach to the game is carried out through its strict one strike and out' policy on swearing, smoking and drinking alcohol - even for members who are old enough to do so.

Mr Dawkins said: "We've found some exceptional talent. We recently visited the Essex Youth Open, where the home team hasn't lost for over two years - and one of our girls won and one of our boys was runner-up.

"Teachers and parents have even said to me that the maths in the game has helped the children's school work."

Steve Turner, the academy's men's captain, said: "I hadn't picked up a dart until this started. It's an amazing idea as half the people here might be watching TV otherwise."

Support for the academy in the game includes its president and former World Masters champion Colin Monk, current world number two Colin Lloyd, who is visiting the club in June, and its sponsors, which include equipment manufacturer Unicorn.

Other sponsors include Test Valley Borough Council, Testway 7s, and Hampshire Police, while Hampshire County Council has also awarded funding to the academy.

Mr Dawkins added: "We were a bit apprehensive before we opened, but the first year has gone better than we could have hoped. It's been one big team effort and hopefully we will be just as pleased after another year."