A WORLD champion darts player has dedicated his victory to “the whole of Teesside” as he returned to work 48 hours after his triumph.

Glen Durrant, who won his first BDO World Darts Championship at Lakeside on Sunday, was "blown away" as he received a hero’s welcome at Coast and Country, in Grangetown, Middlesbrough.

The Middlesbrough-born darts player was overcome with emotion as he was welcomed back by his colleagues, and said he was looking forward to “going back to normality.”

He also revealed he plans to take a break from the sport – which could be as long as six months.

“Today will live in my memory forever,” he said.

"This is the best moment – looking around and seeing all these faces and walking down the road.

“I am keeping the trophy by my side – I’ve even taken it to bed with me."

Known as 'Duzza', he beat Dutchman Danny Noppert 7-3 in Sunday's final, confirming his status as the number one player in the BDO, but now says he plans to "focus on the day job".

“I am going to take a real break form darts – it might be one week , one month or six months, but emotionally it has taken so much out of me.

“I want to show it (the trophy) to community groups, volunteers and schools, and help in any way I can - and really leave a legacy.

“The messages of love and support really helped to get me through."

Iain Smith, chief executive of Coast and Country, said his co-workers were “glued to the TV” on Sunday.

“It is fantastic to see him back here with the trophy.

“One thing about Glen is he is a passionate guy and he always puts a good shift in at work – that won’t change.”

Yesterday, Mr Durrant confirmed he was committed to another year in the ranks of the BDO, rejecting the opportunity to move to the PDC, where he would compete against the likes of Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor.