Snooker ace Joe Johnson is recovering at his Bradford home after undergoing a major heart operation.

The former world champion had the surgery after surgeons said he required a quadruple heart bypass operation to repair four badly-blocked arteries.

The 49-year-old has been plagued with heart trouble after suffering a heart attack at Yeadon Health Club in 1990.

Though Johnson stopped smoking in 1997, surgeons were left with no alternative but to operate after tests revealed the extent of his condition. He underwent the operation at the Yorkshire Clinic in Bradford Road, Cottingley.

Today David Shipley, Mr Johnson's business partner and close friend, said the father of six was "fighting fit" after the operation and could not wait to get back to the snooker table.

"Joe is making a remarkable recovery," said Mr Shipley. "He had the operation a few weeks ago but his health has improved really quickly.

"He and his family are going away with my family to France in a couple of weeks and he is regarding that as the final part of his recuperation."

On his return Mr Johnson, who lives in East Bierley, is hoping to get the all- clear from doctors to return to The Clubhouse in Cue Gardens at Odsal Top, Bradford, where he runs his own coaching academy, sharing his skills with about 80 youngsters.

Women's 2002 world champion Kelly Fisher has been looking after Mr Johnson's young protgs during his absence from the club.

Mr Shipley said the 1986 world champion also aims to recover in time to compete against the game's elite on the professional circuit next season.

"He can't wait to get back on the circuit," said Mr Shipley. "He was working with the pupils just 36 hours before he went in for the operation. He is a very determined character and wants to get back as soon as possible.

"Joe knew he was going to have this operation. It's been on the cards for quite a while. But being the true professional he is he had it done when it fitted in with his season.

"It's been a very worrying experience for Joe but his family and friends are all very proud of him and what he has been through."

A spokesman for the Yorkshire Heart Centre, based at Leeds General Infirmary, said that, although quite common, quadruple heart bypass operations saved lives.

"Basically heart disease means that blood flow to the heart tissue is impaired," said the spokesman.

"Surgeons graft new blood vessels to the blocked artery from the legs or arms in order to bring blood to the heart.

"These bypass operations are mainly aimed at people who have had previous heart attacks or heart problems.

"If the blood flow is impaired they are at a greater risk of having another heart attack.

"Operations can be life saving and people have surgery so their heart functions more efficiently in the future."