WORLD darts champion Gary Anderson received a hero’s welcome at the weekend when he attended a civic reception in his honour.

The event was hosted by Burnham and Highbridge Mayor Cllr Martin Cox, who wanted to celebrate Gary’s amazing victory over 16 times world champion Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor to become the new PDC World Champion in a fiercely-fought and thrilling final.

Gary, who is Scottish and known as ‘The Flying Scotsman’, lives in Burnham with his partner, Rachel.

Cllr Cox said: “Gary is regarded as the most naturally gifted and entertaining darts star of the modern era – many experts have for a few years been tipping him to take over this World Championship.”

A white stretched limousine collected Gary and family on Saturday morning and drove them through Highbridge and Burnham before arriving at the Princess Theatre where they were welcomed by friends, supporters, local darts players, well-wishers and dignitaries.

A plaque commemorating Gary’s achievement will be placed on the wall of the town council chamber.

The Mayor added: “Gary is an incredibly amicable person and is naturally talented at darts.

He and everyone attending on Saturday enjoyed a lovely celebration with him.”

Anderson was delighted by the turnout and wishes to thank people for their messages of congratulations.