DORSET prodigy Dan Perry has qualified for the Junior Darts Corporation’s (JDC) European Championship.

Poole-born Dan, 14, is already one of the country’s top juniors, captain of the England under-18 team and represents Dorset’s men’s side.

The Poole High School student was seeded automatically for the event at Brean, Somerset in September as one of the winners on this year’s Junior Darts Corporation’s UK Tour.

Dan said: “It’s going to be an enormous challenge. Some of the country’s best players will be there but winning the European Championship would top anything else I have done.”

He has racked up some valuable experience on the international circuit, winning two bronze medals while representing England in Denmark as well as participating in tournaments in Turkey, Scotland and Wales with a journey to Hungary next on the agenda for the skipper.

Dan, who plays also plays for Lytchett Darts Club in the Dorset Super League, was introduced to darts at the age of four by his mum and dad, Richard and Trina Perry, who also play for Dorset.

“He’s darts mad,” said dad Richard. “Just about every weekend is spent travelling to competitions, which is only made possible by the generous support of sponsors such as Red Dragon Darts, The Darts Performance Centre and Masterclass Scaffolding.

“Other than his wins for England, Dan’s biggest title is the Southern Counties Youth Singles title which he won at Lakeside. We’re hoping he can add the JDC European Championship.”

Steve Brown, chairman of the JDC, added: “Dan is definitely a star of the future.

“The European Championship is designed to deliver a great family weekend and we still have places available for anyone who would like to take part.”

The weekend at Pontins, Brean costs £99 per person which covers accommodation for three nights and entry to all competitions. There will also be a masters tournament for parents with a prize fund of £1,600.

For more information, visit pontins.com/jdc-darts