ENCOURAGEMENT from work pals has led to a Warrington darts fanatic qualifying for the UK Open.

Colin Appleton does not even play for a team but he is set to face one of the world’s top 100 throwers in the opening round at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium next Thursday.

The 45-year-old former Warrington hockey player from Whitecross will step up to the oche against Belgian number two Rocco Maes on the ‘adventure of a lifetime’ that he hopes could lead to a third-round meeting with one of the professional ‘big boys’.

“I’m guessing I’m Eddie The Eagle of darts but proud to represent Warrington,” said Appleton, who entered a qualifier in Stoke just to enjoy the experience and ended up booking himself a place in ‘the FA Cup of darts’.

Appleton is a hire controller with Speedy Hire, whose head office is in Newton, and the fun started when the firm took over as event sponsors.

He said: “A lot of excitement was generated. Phil Taylor, Mark Webster and Gary Anderson came to the offices for the launch and getting to meet Phil Taylor in person was a big thrill.

“An e-mail went round encouraging staff to enter one of the qualifiers.

“My colleagues knew I was a keen player and so encouraged me to enter.

“I went to the qualifier in Stoke just for the experience and would have been happy with that.”

He met one of the sport’s star names, 2004 champion Andy Fordham, and there was professional staging, with score callers he recognised from television coverage.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been so terrrified in my life but it turned into one of those surreal times when you know you can’t do wrong.

“If I’m honest, I’m fortunate to have qualified as my opponents should have polished me off before I got to finish - but it’s all about finishing and I won through for probably the biggest adventure of my life.

“I am very excited at the prospect of playing in Bolton. I can’t sleep – I’m like a little child waiting for Christmas.

“I just hope I can do myself justice. Nerves will be a huge factor because I was bad enough at the qualifiers, but I’m determined to enjoy the experience.”

Appleton, nicknamed Chilli Charlie by colleagues for this event, says he has always had a passion for the sport.

“I have always had a dart board close at hand but I have never played for a team, just as a bit of fun and a way to relax after a stressful day at the office. I often play against my daughter and her boyfriend.

“With having The Hatter pub virtually accross the road from me I suppose I should have been playing for their team or The Brooklands, but I never had the nerve to go and have a nosy.”