FORMER Premier League star Wes Newton will lead the PDC assault on the Huckleberry's YDP Darts Masters in York tomorrow.

Newton was ranked number five in the world just a few years ago and spent two seasons in Sky TV's Thursday night league competing against the best players in world darts.

He reached the World Championship quarter-finals three times and also reached the final of the 2011 UK Open and 2012 European Championship.

Now ranked number 45 in the PDC's Order of Merit, Newton from Blackpool, is one of the favourites to land the £1,000 first prize at Huntington Working Men's Club.

Other big names who have entered the tournament include BDO World Champion Scott Waites, from Halifax, and current BDO world number one Glen Durrant, from Middlesbrough.

England internationals Brian Dawson from Barnsley and Martin Atkins from Leeds are also taking part along with York duo Richie Corner and Chris Quantock.

Promoter Neil Hart believes the involvement of the top professionals was a major factor in attracting over 100 amateur players to sign up for the event.

Games will be played on several boards over seven legs until the event reaches the quarter-final stages where the length of the games increase. The semi-finals and final will be played on the main stage.

"We are really looking forward to a good day," said Hart. "Darts is a booming sport and we are trying to promote the biggest events in York.

"There will be eight free standing boards, 128 players, a total prize pot of £3,175, and games taking place from 12 noon until the evening when the action moves to the main stage. No-one is given a ranking, it's an open draw."

Admission to the event is free of charge for spectators.

Hart wished to thank the event's main sponsors Huckleberry's American Diner along with associate sponsors Streamline Taxis of York and Red Dragon Darts. The boards are sponsored by Ashes Associates LLP, The Shoulder of Mutton and York House Guest House, Yorkshire True Tours, The New Crown Inn (Bridlington), Viking Building & Joiners Contractors Ltd, Synergy Cleaning, and York Print.