MICHAEL Smith, it's a name that has been talked about all over the world after last night the St Helens born darts player claimed his maiden world title and moved to world No 1- but what many don't know may be the 32 year old's very special connection to Cumbria.

Early in his career, the now world number one nicknamed "Bully Boy", played at a darts exhibition in Workington Royal British Legion, in front of a Cumbrian crown that could see he would one day go on to great things.

Ben Nicholson, 29, from Workington who scheduled the exhibition has kept in touch with the St Helens star ever since.

Times and Star: The now world champ has met Ben on a number of occasions at different darts eventsThe now world champ has met Ben on a number of occasions at different darts events (Image: public)

"It was the year his name first came to the scene because he had just beat Phil Taylor in the world championships - so it was just as his name came through, and that night a lot of people could see the talent that he had he was absolutely fantastic.

Michael played Carlisle darts player Richard Henderson on the stage in Workington. Richard, who was a huge Phil Taylor fan wore the players shirt and his darts.

Times and Star: Michael and Ben play darts against each other at an exhibitionMichael and Ben play darts against each other at an exhibition (Image: public)

Ben said: "Michaal openly said at the start I will finish you like I finished Phil, and he took the 128 out on the bull like he had just done on TV.

"Everyone that night knew they were seeing something special, that they were seeing the future of darts.

Times and Star: Michael Smith poses for a photo with Ben NicholsonMichael Smith poses for a photo with Ben Nicholson (Image: public)

"I got to know Michael quite well, I have met him a few times since then at various event and always had a chat with him - but the one thing he said to me when he was in Workington was all I want is to be in the premier league of darts."

Two years later Michael got his invite into the premier league of darts, with Ben from his entry always believing that he would make a world champ.

Talking about Michael winning the world championship, Ben said: "It's just absolutely fantastic it's a great feeling for him because I know how much hard work he puts into it.

"The nicest thing for me that night, was the first thing he did when he won was run right down to his family, to run down to his two kids and his wife and give them a hug and I know how much that mean to all of them so it's great to see.

"It's great to say we have had a world champion in Workington before he became a orld champion."