A new home is being sought for an old snooker table that was bought by 30 citizens of Otley at the turn of the last century.

The full-size table was removed from the Civic Centre by Liverpool-based company Easy Snooker, at the Town Council’s request, a few years ago.

But restorer Tom Manning, after examining a certificate of authenticity that came with it, was moved by the rich history the object shares with the town and what was its Mechanics’ Institute and hopes it can be returned to the town.

Mr Manning, from Liverpool, said it was a beautiful table but, it had become dilapidated.

He said: “We were asked to come and take it. I’ve started refurbishing it and it comes with a label dating back to 1905 which says that 30 people connected with Otley Mechanics’ Institute put in £2 each to buy it for £60 – which must have been the equivalent of about £5,000 in those days.”