FRED WILLIAMS is the third personality to be inducted into the Professional Darts Corporation's Hall of Fame.

The long-serving referee, 69, has now retired from top-level officiating, after spending 35 years at the forefront of the game.

Williams joined the PDC in 1993 along with Bruce Spendley after beginning his career with the National Darts Association of Great Britain as a marker and then moving on to the BDO.

He joins John Lowe and Eric Bristow in the PDC's Hall of Fame, which was inaugurated 12 months ago to recognise the legends of darts.

"It is a great pleasure to induct Freddie into the Hall of Fame," said PDC Chairman Barry Hearn.

"He is a legend of the game and in many ways is synonymous with professional darts.

"He has refereed with dignity and authority throughout his career and will be missed on the big stage in front of the TV cameras.

"I'm sure that the other referees will continue to represent the PDC at the standard Freddie has helped to develop during the past 13 years."

Williams will continue to work with the PDC as second referee in all televised tournaments, as well as working on the professional circuit at non-televised events.

"Now is the time to bow out," said Williams. "You have to give it some thought but as I've been in the game for 35 years I felt it was time to go.

"It's a little bit strange, because although I will miss being on stage I am not walking away altogether."

Williams' wife Pat is the PDC's official scorer, and he added: "We've been lucky enough to travel around the world through darts and it's been a tremendous journey."

Click here to read our feature: Fred Williams - Time To Bow Out