SHOCKED Scott Mitchell revealed the sudden discovery of his world number one status ensured there was no champagne on ice - so he celebrated with a sausage roll instead.

Dorset's county talisman and England international took over at the top of the World Darts Federation's latest global rankings based on cumulative performances over the past year.

The Bransgore-based landscape gardener, 44, was announced as top dog shortly after his semi-final berth at the BDO International Open in Brean, Somerset, where he lost out to eventual winner and world number two Martin Adams.

Four tournament wins since August last year have seen Mitchell climb to fourth in the BDO rankings - the table which counts for qualification to the World Championships at Lakeside - based on points gathered from his best 12 results of the season.

“I hadn't been following the WDF rankings too much because the BDO counts towards qualifying for Lakeside,” admitted Mitchell.

“I think I was watching the speedway on television when I got the text from a friend on the county circuit and I was surprised to say the least.

“I thought it was a joke until I looked, so there were no mad parties. It was around tea time so it was a cup of coffee and a sausage roll.

“The possibility is that I may only be number one for two weeks if I don't go well at the next tournament. Wolfie (Adams) is right behind me but it is a great honour.

“It's the official world ranking so whether it is for two days, two weeks or however long I stay there, it's pretty special for me and goes to show how well I have played over the past year.

“Many of the guys have been there before but for me, it is a new thing and another one ticked off the bucket list.

“My county team-mates are especially pleased for me because they have been there, watching me graft through 15-plus years at that level and being number one is very special for everyone in Dorset. It just goes to show what you can do.”

Next up for Mitchell is the England Open at Selsey, Sussex where he is the third seed in Saturday's men's singles.

He will also form part of an illustrious quartet in the mixed fours alongside darts legend Bobby George, doubles partner Richie George and nine-time women's world champion Trina Gulliver.

“I've never partnered Bobby before so that should be interesting,” Mitchell added. “He plays to the crowd a bit and hopefully we'll have a good giggle.”