John 'Boy' Walton had one very special supporter to thank after he scooped the Embassy World Professional Darts Championship - Kevin the Teddy.

The fluffy mascot has been at the oche all the way through the 2001 championship at Lakeside in Surrey, along with John's fiancee Sally Brighton.

The Bradford-born darts king became only the third person to win the European Masters and World titles back-to-back yesterday when he beat Ted Hankey 6-2 and scooped £46,000 winnings.

And no one was more proud than John's parents, Jack and Dorothy, pictured, both 64, who watched the drama unfold on television at their home in Bierley.

An emotional Mr Walton said: "I taught him everything he knows. I'm over the moon, it's just fantastic. I just want to give him a great big hug but I won't see him until this Thursday.

"Tears were running down my face when he threw his final dart. I'm as proud as punch and as happy as Larry. Dorothy was almost speechless."

John, 39, who was born in Laisterdyke, began playing darts when his father took him to Laisterdyke Cricket Club and it was there he won his first trophy, aged 18.

His dad said: "John told me then that he wanted to play for Yorkshire and England and that he also wanted to win the World Championships. Now he's done all three. We are so proud."

The 39-year-old Yorkshireman became the 15th individual winner of the game's most prestigious prize when he dethroned reigning title holder Hankey at Lakeside.

After a night of celebration at his hotel, John was due to head home today with another important match facing him -- a league game for his pub team!

But it is his Embassy victory that has delighted all his friends and family.

"This means the world to me," said Walton, who claimed his lucky mascot, Kevin the teddy, who accompanies him everywhere, had been a vital influence.

"It was an unbelievable feeling when I hit the winning double eight - I just wanted to fly."

His victory also put a smile on the faces of drinkers at Low Moor Working Men's Club, where John played for seven years, also taking the Clubs and Institutes' Darts Title.

Member Sean Gutsell, who placed a £5 bet at 40-1 odds on a Walton win, said: "I was more bothered about John winning than the bet.

"I've played him a few times and he was always a superior player."

Another member, Billy Kerry, who bet £10 at 40-1, said: "Three years ago I tipped John to win the Embassy by the year 2000. He's done it a year later but he won't stop until he's the World number one, won't John."

But before he throws another dart, John has an even more pressing engagement - or rather ceremony - when he walks up the aisle with fiancee Sally as the freshly crowned World Champion.