LUKE Littler was in danger of missing out on a potential five-figure bonus at the World Darts Championships purely because of his age.

Thanks to Warrington-based Village Hotels, however, that is no longer the case.

Ahead of the annual festival of darts at London’s Alexandra Palace, competition sponsors Paddy Power had confirmed they would be paying a £180,000 bonus for every nine-dart leg at the tournament as part of the Bigger 180 campaign

Said bonus would be split three ways between the Prostate Cancer UK charity, the player who threw it and a lucky fan in the crowd.

As a bookmaker, however, Paddy Power confirmed those aged under 18 would not be eligible and that, of course, includes Warrington sensation Littler, who is the bookies’ favourite to win the tournament but does not turn 18 until January 21.

It means Littler would miss out on a possible £60,000 bonus should he throw a “nine-darter,” which he has already done twice in televised events this year, but Village Hotels have stepped in to pledge they would pay Littler’s bonus himself should he hit a perfect leg.

“What Paddy Power and the PDC have done in supporting Prostate Cancer UK through The BIGGER 180 campaign has been remarkable, and the nine-darter bonus promises to make this year’s even bigger,” a Village Hotels spokesperson said.

“But given what Luke has done in the sport already, and our close bond developed with the PDC since joining as a partner, we couldn’t see one of the biggest names miss out – so we wanted to do our bit.

“But if helps inspire Luke to hitting the magic number and if it means more money goes to saving lives as part of the wider campaign, then it’ll be a small price to pay.”

Village Hotels, whose headquarters are on Centre Park just outside the town centre, have 33 locations throughout the UK, featuring affordable and stylish rooms, top-of-the range Health & Wellness Clubs and great food and drink in the Pub & Grill.

PDC chief executive Matthew Porter said: “It's an unbelievably generous gesture from Village Hotels and a testament to themselves as a brand that they're so keen to support our sport to ensure Luke doesn't miss out.

"The BIGGER 180 campaign is something very close to our hearts at the PDC, and we can't wait to get going in a few weeks' time.”