“I just don’t want to be known as a

World champion Michael Smith received the Freedom of St Helens honorary award at a special ceremony at St Helens Town Hall on Thursday.

During the ceremony, the world number one was awarded a so-called Freedom of the Borough role. Well-known English rugby league player James Roby was also presented with a similar award.

Smith conquered the darts world in January with a sensational 7-4 victory against Michael van Gerwen in the final of the World Darts Championship. It was a match that made headlines thanks in part to the best leg of all time on television. Smith threw a nine darter in the final after Van Gerwen had just missed the double 12 for a perfect leg.

“This is such an honour to be recognised for what I do,” Smith commented on his award. “Darts is not just a pub sport anymore; it’s an actual sport, and now to be given the highest honour I can get, it’s an unbelievable achievement for me as well as my family, and I just want to say thank you.”

“Receiving the Freedom of the Borough feels special – it’s hard to put into words but it’s a massive thing for me and my family to be recognised for my job by the people of St Helens.”