The region's finest young snooker players went cue-to-cue with legend Steve Davis - and one local club in particular proved to be the real star of the show.

Hot shots from Padiham Snooker Club emerged victorious from each of the four age groups - under 12s, 14s, 16s and 18s - to earn the right to take on the six-time World Champion at the annual North Lancs Training Group Charity Challenge held at Hyndburn Sports Centre.

Simon Blackwell defeated Kamran Ashraf 2-0 in the under 12s, before cousin Chris Blackwell once again overcame Ashraf, this time 2-1, in the under 14s.

Fourteen-year-old Blackwell also succeeded in the under 18s by beating Jamie Lingard 3-1, while Paul Fraser beat Jack Dady 2-0 in the under 16s. Along with unlucky loser Ashraf, each winner then played a frame against Davis who wore a microphone to talk through shots before an enthralled audience of 250.

And the 46-year-old was made to eat humble pie as Fraser brought the house down after winning his frame on the blue!

Paul Rinaldi, who owns Padiham Snooker Club, is naturally proud of his young prodigies.

"The lads gave a great account of themselves - to have one in each final was a real achievement," said the former pro. "The club also fared well last year with Johnny O'Reilly's century being the high point and it just goes to show what can come of regular tuition and practice.

"Paul Fraser, who's already knocked in breaks of 100 plus, did brilliantly to beat Steve in his final and Simon Blackwell is one of the best 11-year-olds I've ever seen - even I struggle to beat him!" After the youngsters had their glory Davis took on prize winners from the local media and played the highest bidder in a special 'auctioned' frame - which raised £180 - before accompanying young Accrington potter Chris Norbury in a spot of 'speed snooker'.

Jim Harkness of the NLTG donated £2 a point to charity which equated to £470 in total.

Davis then took centre-stage for a spell of trick-shots followed by a question and answer session.

Joint organiser Russell Large said: "Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening and a decent amount was raised for the nominated charities of the Christie Hospital specialist cancer centre and Maundy Grange.

"Steve appeared to revel in the relaxed atmosphere and the crowd really took to his obvious talent and likeable character."