MORE teams and more prize money are the added attractions as the Inter-Town Summer Snooker League gets under way.

Eight teams from Colne and Barnoldswick will battle it out for a total pot of £500.

The league, which is entering its second year, will see Colne Legion A and B, Barlick Union A and B, Strategy A and B, Rolls Royce and Colne Dressers come face-to-face over the summer months for the £170 top prize.

The competition will run until the end of August, with the competing teams playing seven matches on their home tables and seven matches away.

Launched last year, Barlick Union B came away with the winners' shield, while Strategy B finished runners-up.

The formation of the league is all credit to Strategy B captain and avid snooker and pool player Mark Salmon.

Mark was keen to offer an alternative to the winter league, which the majority of the teams and players compete in.

"I started the league so that we could keep going through the summer months and to add a bit of competition and incentive to those who enjoy playing in the winter leagues in the area," he said.

Mark, who has been chalking his cue since the tender age of eight, is enthusiastic about the start of the new season and believes it can go from strength to strength in the future.

The league has grown this year from four teams to eight and Mark is looking to introduce more teams next year, meaning that the season would be able to start in May.

The league now incorporates prize money for the teams finishing in the top four, as well as a highest break prize of £20.

Mark explained: "This year we're giving £170 and a winners shield to the champions, the runners-up will receive a trophy and £130, third place will get £100 and fourth will take away £80. It's an exciting time for everyone involved!"