Colchester's Colin Lloyd says he is looking forward to taking his place in a glittering line-up of talent at The Grand Masters of Darts event tonight.

The former World number one, known as Jaws, is one of a host of legendary stars who will take to the oche at the Preston Guild Hall.

Eric Bristow, Wayne Mardle, Peter Manley and Bobby George will also be there, along with the likes of Keith Deller, Dennis Priestly, Bob Anderson and John Lowe.

They hold 17 World Championship titles between them and having featured in over 30 World Finals, the Grand Masters of Darts will battle it out for the coveted title.

Lloyd told the Daily Gazette: “It’s going to be a tidy event.

“It’s a bit of a hotbed up north and they love their darts up there.

“There’s a lot of legends there and some proper talent.

“If you added it all up, there’s probably 40 or 50 Major wins among that lot in important TV events.

“It’s going to be fun – people will go along and enjoy themselves and also have the chance to meet the players.

“I’m sure there will be a bit of needle there too – that competitive edge never really leaves you but when you’re playing matchplay, it’s a different thing.

“If I get beaten by Peter Manley, he’ll never let me live it down!

“Like me, Wayne Mardle and Bobby George are both Essex boys and we have plenty of gob but we also know when to get on with it and that it can be a serious business.

“These guys have always been great players but they’re also great people.”

Lloyd, who won the World Matchplay title in 2005, has taken a backseat from competitive action over recent years.

The 43-year-old is currently playing on the exhibition circuit but remains a hugely popular figure among darts fans, up and down the country.

“When you look at some of the top players in the sport now, they don’t tend to make themselves accessible to the public,” he added.

“But they have to remember that it’s the public who pay their wages and getting bums on seats and paying their Sky Sports subscriptions.

“You have to be accessible to the general public and the guys who will be there tonight have all done that, over the years.”

Lloyd is also taking part in the Norwich City Charity Darts Masters at Norwich City FC, tomorrow night.

The event also features the likes of Bob Anderson, Tony O’Shea and Darryl Fitton.