Sky Sports will dedicate an entire channel to darts this Christmas to coincide with the World Championship at Alexandra Palace.

From 6am on December 18, Sky Sports 3 will become Sky Sports Darts, running until the conclusion of the showpiece event on January 5.

Offering 370 hours of programming, including live coverage of every match, the channel will also screen programmes and features including a documentary on reigning champion Michael van Gerwen.

Sky Sports managing director Barney Francis said: "Sky Sports Darts will offer all the drama, excitement and atmosphere from Alexandra Palace for two weeks over Christmas. The channel will show every match live, all the build-up and analysis plus a fantastic schedule of features too."

Seventy-two players will compete for the Sid Waddell Trophy next month.