HE wants to become a world champion at something - anything - from scratch in just one year.

Wannabe star Justin Irwin, 36, has given up his well-paid management job and picked the sport of darts to make his bid for international glory.

The first test of his dream comes when he competes in the Daily Echo Hampshire Darts Open in Southampton next month.

Justin quit as director of Childline - the charity set up by Hampshire-based TV personality Esther Rantzen - in January. He was in charge of 200 staff and a £4m budget.

He has been practising four hours a day in an attempt to line up with the big names of the game in one of the sport's two world championship events which take place over the New Year period.

He said: "I gave up my job with a view to playing darts professionally and the Hampshire Open is my target to see how I have progressed. If I have not improved enough, then the whole thing may have to be forgotten but I believe it can be done.

"I believe it is a sport where it is possible to do well with practice. The skill level in darts is less than in other sports, although people will hate me for saying that."

Justin currently has a three-dart average score of 60-65, which is way short of the 90-100 that he would need against world class players.

He admits he still has a long way to go if he is to realise his ambition.

Londoner Justin has had to tighten his belt, including moving house, giving up cable TV, eating out and using taxis, to take on the challenge. He will return to work if he fails.

The Daily Echo Hampshire Darts Open takes place at the Novotel, West Quay Road, Southampton, on May 7.