HAVING declined a reported £20,000 a year sponsorship deal Andy Fordham has turned his attention to raising money for charity, writes Paul Symes.

The Dartford publican, who rejected the chance to join Phil Taylor and co in the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), is an ambassador for the Heart of Darts charity, which cares for sick children by loaning them the use of wheelchairs.

Heart of Darts was founded by Ian Waller, who deals directly with the children which benefit from the charity's work, many of whom are seriously ill.

Fordham said: "Ian visits the children, then when he returns the next day often the beds are empty because they've passed away. I don't think I could handle that."

Scores of entries have already been received for your chance to throw arrows with the Viking at next month's Heart of Darts charity night, organised by Belvedere boozer The Great Harry.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that Fordham will continue plying his trade in the British Darts Organisation (BDO) branch of the sport, following PDC chairman Barry Hearn's unsuccessful attempts to lure him.

A sum of £20,000 had been mentioned in a bid to persuade the Viking to switch allegiances, but he declined to discuss figures.

Fordham said: "I don't really want to talk about it, because it was supposed to be between me and him Hearn. But I feel the BDO is where I belong, so I'm not going anywhere.

"If you're happy with the way a company's being run, why move? I can assure my fans I'll be at Frimley Green in January, trying to recapture my title."

As well as the financial incentive, it was reported the PDC would guarantee the Viking entry into their World Championships at the Circus Tavern in Purfleet and a wild card into next year's Premier League, won by Taylor this year when he beat Colin Lloyd 16-4.