TWICE B & H Masters Snooker champion Paul Hunter has not forgotten his roots and he is to appear at Guiseley Theatre on Thursday, January 30, in a special snooker night to help raise funds so that local youngsters can follow his path.

The 24 year-old who started practising as a 13 year-old schoolboy at Yeadon's Manor Club (now Dragons) will play exhibition matches against players some of whom helped him on the way up and some of whom hope to emulate him in the future.

Players such as Jon Knipe, Richard Brooke and Andy Blamire from the Wharfedale squad who spent hours practising with him as he made his way into the professional game. He will also play two of the area's brightest young stars in Leighton Gaucci of the Menston Fairfax Club and Phil Nicholson of Guiseley's Hawkhill Club.

Hunter, from Moortown in Leeds, will also take on the challenge of current Yorkshire Under-19 snooker champion Kevin Robinson from Harrogate and former pro Alan Trigg from Leeds as well as former Leeds champion Bob Patterson and Wharfedale player Lee Ross who plays out of Guiseley Conservative Club.

Hunter, who has also won the Regal Welsh Snooker Championship twice, has had his practice table installed at Guiseley Conservative Club after snooker came to an end at Dragons.

With the removal of the snooker tables at Dragons coaching for youngsters in the area also ended.

Said the man responsible for that coaching Dave Richardson: "There is now nowhere for the youngsters to practice against older players or to get the coaching they need to progress in the game.

"We have lots of talented youngsters in the area such as 15 year-old James Pickles from Menston but a lack of facilities.

"The organisers of this event hope to raise some funds to put that right. They are also going to give some of the money raised to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance."

Richardson, an international referee, will referee at the event and marking will be done by Wharfedale's English Billiards Champion Steve Crosland.

Richardson has helped Hunter in his career and has kept a close watch on the star. He said: "Paul has always been grateful for the help he received at the Manor, the practice he got against local players and the cameraderie he has been shown by those he played with in the Wharfedale snooker team.

"This is his way of saying thank you to all of them and to Guiseley Conservative Club, where he still practices.

"He realises that youngsters are not getting the chance he had so he would like to help to do something about it.

"He will be bringing the Benson and Hedges Cup, which he has won twice, along with him so people will be able to be photographed with it.

"The players will be formally dressed in waistcoats and bow ties and it promises to be an excellent night for snooker enthusiasts," said Richardson.

The event will include a pie and peas supper and tickets are priced at £10. They are available by ringing Maggie Hudson on 01943 874504.

The event has been organised by Lee Taylor, Bill Hudson and Andy Blamire.