A Renfrew schoolboy is aiming to become a darts world champion after winning a prestigious title for his country.

Mitchell Lawrie, 13, was one of four players who represented Scotland at this year's Junior Darts Corporation (JDC) World Cup event in Gibraltar.

After defeating China, Norway, Germany, Spain and England, the team faced Ireland in the finals of the competition.

And it was Mitchell's score of double five on the dartboard that secured the 4-0 win for Scotland.

The Gazette:

The Renfrew High pupil told The Gazette: "It was a massive achievement for me to be the one to hit the winning dart to seal the victory and the world cup for my team.

"The emotions I felt when we won the world cup were something I've never felt.

"To this day, it's not really sunk in that we did it and brought the world cup back to Scotland for the first time and made history to beat the favourites England. 

"To have my family with me was so special, as they have supported everything I've done this year."

The Gazette:

Mitchell started playing darts from the age of three after watching some of the best players compete at The Scottish Open in the Normandy Hotel, in Renfrew.

He plays for the Cotton A team in the Renfrew Darts League and, earlier this year, was encouraged by his mentor James Ward to start competing in JDC events.

Mitchell's proud mum Lyn said: "He is such a good darts player because of his total commitment to the sport.

"We've got a dartboard set up for him in the kitchen and he can be practising for up to four hours a day on it.

"He's grown from strength to strength and we were just so elated when he won the world cup, it was epic."

The Gazette:

Earlier this year, Mitchell signed with major sponsor Target Darts, which produces a wide range of darts equipment and products.

Lyn added: "Now that he knows the success that that can bring, he is even more committed to darts than ever before.

"Mitchell wants to become a professional darts player and a world champion.

"Due to his age, he's got a few years yet before he can qualify for the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation), but it's definitely in his sights now."