A BRAVE teenage snooker player has been dubbed an "inspiration" after winning every match he has played since having a brain tumour removed.

William Hartley, 18, marked an amazing triumph over adversity when returned to the green baize to record a victory just a week after his major operation.

His remarkable turn of form has stunned team-mates and family alike, who were left amazed when the teenager picked up a cue and began his victorious run within days of having the three-inch tumour taken out.

This week William was winning again as his team, Intack A, took part in the Blackburn and Darwen Conservative Clubs Snooker League knockout cup final.

Despite winning his match, the team went on to lose 4 -3 against Darwen-based Bridge Street Conservative Club at St Mark's Conservative Club, Witton.

William said: "I feel brilliant after winning my match again although it obviously would have been better to win the winners' trophy rather than the runners-up.

"It was first to four and we were actually two-nil up at first. It then went 2-1, 3-1 and then they ended up equalising and winning the last frame."

The teenager, from Hamer Avenue, Intack, was only six months into his army training when the tumour was discovered cutting short his dreams of becoming a soldier.

However, after undergoing the life-saving surgery at Leeds General Infirmary on February 27 the tenacious teen refused to dwell on his bad luck and was back playing his beloved snooker seven days later.

And the way he has bounced back has seen him pocket praise as well as match-winning balls.

Proud dad, William senior, 48, who plays in the same team said: "He is an inspiration to everyone and are very proud of him.

"His tumour meant he has had to be discharged from the Army but he has refused to let it get to him.

"He had his operation on Monday, February 27, was released from hospital on the Friday and back playing at Intack Conservative Club the following Monday.

"He has been brilliant and has been unbeaten since he left hospital.

"The tumour is benign, it's gone. My wife Susan and I are ecstatic for him, especially as we thought we were going to lose him.

"He is a great player and would call him an out-and-out potter and I think he's as quick as Jimmy White."

William, a former pupil of the former Queen's Park High School, Blackburn, said: "I have been playing snooker since my dad took me to have a go on a full-size table when I was six. Yes it's true I've not lost a game since I left hospital.

"I was at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate when they found my tumour.

"It has all been removed well as far as anyone can say and I am staying positive."

President of the league, Geoff Barton, said: "He is a great advert for the game.

"To win every game normally is an achievement and to overcome what he has and do it is fantastic."