TINY Lindsay Lloyd is on cue to tackle a pool league's lady champions - at the tender age of nine.

The primary school pupil has been beating hardened players for several years and will step out with Clitheroe Ladies on Sunday.

She said: "I was treated as a bit of a joke at first but then I started to beat people."

And now the pupil from Brookside Primary School, Clitheroe, plays in three major leagues: B team of the Buck Inn, Clitheroe, reserve for the Lancashire Youth Team and she will play her debut match with Clitheroe Ladies tomorrow at the British Legion in Clitheroe. Lindsay started potting balls at the age of six when her parents took her to the pub for Sunday lunch.

"I would get bored and have a game of pool," said Lindsay.

But the youngster, who lives on Tower Hill, says she still encounters opposition from some players: "When I stand up to play they are surprised but some people refuse to play me.

"They say they haven't signed up for a children's league."

She added: "Some say that girls shouldn't play. That it is a boy's game. I have to show them they are wrong."

Her proud mum Kim Astley, who is married to Duncan Astley, and has two more daughters Elizabeth, 12, and Vicky, 10, said: "She is sports mad. I think pool is a natural talent for her. I won't play her any more and she beats her dad sometimes!"

Kim, who is assistant manager in the Buck Inn, said: "Lindsay takes it all in her stride. Most players help her with tips. I am happy as long as Lindsay is enjoying herself."

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