THE Paul Hunter Foundation Snooker Academy was launched last weekend at Paul Rinaldi's Padiham Snooker Centre.

A total of 27 youngsters took part in the first part of an initial 10 week snooker development programme which aims to get kids off the streets and develop their snooker skills.

The academy concept is the brainchild of North Lancs Training Groups and World Snooker Coach Chris Lovell who has been tasked with leading the Paul Hunter Foundation within Lancashire.

Chris said: “We have had an amazing response to the academy, youngsters as young as six and seven came along to learn how to play, we not only cover snooker skills but also the rules of the game and sportsmanship and also there is trick shot tuition on hand.”

The academy concept is mobile so should any snooker clubs wish to be involved, email Chris on chrislovellworldsnookercoach@googlemail.com All the sessions are free and are funded by the Paul Hunter Foundation, supported in Lancashire by the North Lancs Training Group, which was set up following the tragic death of snooker star Paul Hunter at the young age of 27.