A SNOOKER academy for under privileged and disabled children is to be launched in Padiham.

The North Lancs Training Group has teamed up with the Paul Hunter Foundation to help fund local snooker activities and get young people off the street.

The charity aims to develop an interest in the game in young people, aged eight to 18, and widely targets the disadvantaged.

NLTG’s e2e manager, Chris Lowell, will run the initiative in the area.

Chris, who is one of only 25 Grade A snooker coaches in the world, said: “Every time you either turn on a TV or open a newspaper you read about horrific crimes involving young people, with knife crime top of the list at the moment.

“Through the Paul Hunter Foundation we can make a difference to some young people’s lives.”

NLTG’s Managing Director Jim Harkness said NLTG supports many charities including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Patron’s Company with donations in the region of £40,000.

He added: “We are happy to be an official partner of the Paul Hunter Foundation in its efforts to help young people make their way in life.”

The Foundation was set up in memory of three times masters champion Paul Hunter who sadly lost his battle with cancer at the young age of 27 in 2006.

The programme starts on Saturday September 20 for ten weeks, every Saturday, at the Padiham Snooker Centre, Grove Lane.

Before then the Paul Hunter road shows will be available at Cuemasters Snooker Club in Church on Thursday evenings between 6pm and 8pm beginning on September 4.

All players will be able to take part in snooker and pool competitions, Nintendo Wii Snooker, the 60 second challenge and learn how to do trick shots.

For details, contact Chris Lowell on 01254 824458.