SNOOKER ace Jimmy White is on cue to pocket a pile of cash for a cot death charity.

The people's champion will be playing an exhibition match against a guest opponent during a celebrity snooker showcase at Hyndburn Sports Centre on Tuesday, March 5, at 7pm.

All the proceeds are going to the Oswaldtwistle Friends of CONI - Care of the Next Infant.

Oswaldtwistle couple, Dave and Mandy Ryan, have raised thousands of pounds for the charity following the death of their eight-week-old son, Connor, from cot death syndrome.

Jimmy was asked to help by Accrington snooker coach Chris Henry, a friend of Dave's.

Dave said: "Jimmy gets a lot of requests, but the minute Chris said what it was for he said he'd be there without a doubt."

On the night Jimmy and his guest will be playing the winner and runner-up of an under 14's competition currently under way at Accrington Snooker Club. A master of ceremonies will be in charge of three hours of entertainment, including a bumper raffle and the chance to win a celebrity snooker waistcoat.

Dave and Chris, who are organising the event with Tony Dobson, manager of the Arcade Bar in Accrington, are optimistic tickets will be snapped up.

Dave said: "We want everyone to have a great night but we want to raise as much as possible for CONI."

Tickets are £5 for the standing area on the balcony, £8 for seats, and there are also £150 VIP tickets for four people, including a chance to meet the snooker stars, a VIP bar and buffet.

Accrington businessman Daniel Antrobus and Red Rose Paint Supplies of Warner Street, Accrington, are sponsoring the hire of the sports hall, but more sponsors are being sought.

Tickets will shortly be on sale at the Arcade Bar, Red Rose Paints, Hyndburn Sports Centre, or from Mick Haworth on 871877.

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