TWO of East Lancashire’s most prominent potters have joined forces to form a major new snooker competition - and confirm that the green baize good times are back.

Jonny Hannan and Jonny Clark, who have won all of the area’s major competitions between them, have doubled up to launch the inaugural East Lancashire Snooker Championship.

It was back in the 1980s that Alex Higgins and Dennis Taylor – world champion in 1985 – called the area home. But thanks to the success of the likes of the Burnley-based Fosters Golden Cue, the potting pair believe East Lancs can once again become a hotbed for snooker.

And judging by the keen interest already shown, with more than 90 players already entered, the two Jonnys -who are both play for the Poplar Club - are hoping to reach their target of 128 before the June 17 deadline.

“East Lancashire has a history of producing fine snooker players and there have been some big competitions over the years,” said Hannan who this week won his third Blackburn and Darwen CIU singles title. “Everyone talks about the days of when Alex Higgins and Dennis Taylor lived here and played in the local clubs.

“And over the years, there has been the likes of the old Lancashire Telegraph tournament and the Observer Cup which attracted some very big names.

“Today, we have the Golden Cue which is the premier competition in the area and we wanted to launch something to give players more competitive snooker.”

The pair came up with the idea a month ago and Hannan admits he has been blown away by the interest shown - with more than 90 players already signed up ahead of the June 17 entry deadline.

“We decided to start the event purely because we want more snooker competitions around the local area,” added Hannan who has secured sponsorship from The Accrington Bacon Company, Jim’s Removals, Hoddlesden Con Club and Tony Carr. “We want players to have something to pick there cues up for and we are hopefully the competition will be high up on the local snooker calendar for years to come.”

Hannan said the new competition will compliment rather than compete with the Golden Cue and there is even talk of a champion of champions showdown between the two winners.

Golden Cue organiser Neil McGovern has already entered while Hannan himself is in the semi finals of the large table competition of the Burnley-based competition.

In fact, Hannan booked his place in the last four with a victory over his Poplar Club teammate Clark.

“We had a bit of a laugh when the Golden Cue draw came out,” said Hannan. “We were organising our event right up until the 2pm playing time but when the handshake took place and the first ball was hit the organising and the friendship went right out the window.”

He added: “We are not in competition with the Golden Cue and ideally we want to work with the likes of Neil (McGovern) so they can give us a few tips along the way.

“I got in touch with Neil before the organising started and he said it was a great idea and he has entered the event himself. He is fully behind what me and Jonny are doing. We have already spoke about the possibility of a champion of champions match between the two winners.”

Hannan ranks winning the Blackburn and Darwen Snooker Championship on two occasions and his three CIU titles among his highlights while he has a highest break of 141.

Clark, who once competed on the Challenge Tour against many of today’s top professionals, has won the Golden Cue title on three occasions and is the reigning Hyndburn CIU champion.

But Hannan says making the East Lancashire Snooker Championship a success would rank alongside those personal triumphs.

“Me and Jonny are good friends and we practice on a regular basis,” said Hannan. “But we have been working hard to get this up and running and would love it be a success and become an annual event.”

The competition has attracted top local players including Farakh Ajaib - the current Golden Cue overall champion - Simon Blackwell, Ian Martin and Justin Astley who have all been in the pro ranks

And with the competition open to 12-year-olds and older, it’s attracting the next generation of players including Hannan’s younger brother Cameron looking to follow in the footsteps of him and his dad Tommy - both champion potters.

The competition,which will have a light handicap, will be best of five frames up to the quarter/semi finals where it will be best of seven frames with the final is the best of nine frames.

The quarter finals onwards will be held at the Hoddlesden Con Club. Entry fee is £5 and the first round draw will be made the week commencing the June 18.

For details, contact Jonny Hannan on 07858 181724 or email jonathanhannan@hotmail.com or ring Jonny Clark on 07743 464363.