Schoolboy, 11, recognised by Professional Darts Corporation after becoming one of the youngest people to hit nine-dart finish

An 11-year-old boy has been recognised by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) after becoming one of the youngest people on record to hit a nine-dart finish.

Earlier this month, Harvey Stringer managed to accomplish the feat – where a player checks out from 501 using only nine darts, requiring eight trebles and a double – while competing in an online league match from his home in Cotton Lane, Wickham Skeith.

In recognition of his accomplishment, the PDC sent the Thorndon Primary School pupil a nine-dart pin – a badge usually only reserved for players who hit a nine-darter in a professional game.

Harvey was competing in an online league, where opponents video call one another while playing on their own dart boards.

The youngster was playing in his kitchen, accompanied by his dad, Derren, 42. His mum, Clare, watched from the living room on a mobile phone while she took care of his siblings.

“He was up 3-0 at that point and I just got this feeling that he was going to hit the nine,” said Mrs Stringer, 38.

“The next thing I knew, the kitchen door flew open and Harvey ran in saying he’d just hit a nine-dart finish – my husband was speechless.

“To hit a nine darter at any age is incredible, but to hit it aged 11 is just amazing.

“My husband couldn’t speak for the rest of the match, but Harvey was as cool as a cucumber.

“The other guy he was playing was really lovely and really happy for him – they chatted about it for a while before they carried on with the game, which Harvey ended up winning 6-0.”

The feat caught the attention of player-turned Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle (pictured), who used Twitter to publicly call for the PDC to break from convention and send the youngster a pin.

“Without putting you guys on the spot, please can you give Harvey a nine-dart pin? I understand you can’t give them to everyone ... but just this once ... please?” he tweeted.

The following day, the PDC confirmed there was a pin on its way to Harvey – making him the youngest person ever to receive the award.

Mrs Stringer, who is a stay-at-home mum, said she had been overwhelmed by the congratulatory messages for Harvey.

“After we told people he had done it, my phone went crazy,” she said.

Harvey, who is autistic, has built up a significant social media following, with more than 2,000 followers on Twitter.

And with aspirations to turn professional when he grows up, he has made good use of lockdown, his mum added.

“The beauty of darts is that everyone has been able to play at home. He has improved massively in the last few months.

“Being off school meant he could play every day, and it’s really helped him build his throw and increase his average.”