A SCHEME set up in memory of a snooker star who died young is reducing crime rates and helping children at school.

The Paul Hunter Foundation (PHF) was established in tribute to the charismatic player – dubbed the Beckham of the Baize – who died of cancer nearly ten years ago at the age of 26.

The foundation offers free ten-week snooker courses to children from all backgrounds, and organisers say it has cut crime rates, with forces across some some parts of the country seeing 60 per cent reductions in first-time offenders.

Clubs in Menston, Guiseley and Ilkley are among those taking part in the scheme, which is proving incredibly popular among children and young people.

Jeremy Benn, head of snooker at The Menstone Club in Menston, said the national success of the PHF had been enormous, with reduced crime rates and schools noticing improvements in pupils who had previously struggled with maths.

He added: "What we have seen during the past 15 months or so at The Menstone, Hawkhill and Hollygarth is really quite incredible.

"There have been boys and girls from the age of seven taking an active part in the sport. Some of the older children have also recently been competing in various EASB (English Amateur Snooker and Billiards) tournaments held at Leeds. These are nationally-recognised events and it has been great to see the progress."

He highlighted the success of two 13-year-old girls from the local clubs, who have done so well they competed in The Ladies World Snooker Championships in Leeds in April. Lily Dobson, from the Hollygarth Club, and Aimee Benn, from The Menstone, now have official world rankings of 63 and 52 respectively.

Earlier this year, The Menstone Club hosted an event with Steve Davis, raising £2,000 for the PHF as a way of thanking the foundation for giving the children a chance to play.

Mr Benn said: "From February 2015, when there were very few, if any, juniors playing snooker (let alone on full-sized tables) to now having more than 60 within the the clubs, is really an incredible achievement and one we hope will continue. The signs of producing some top-class players are really there for all to see.

"In order to continue this, and also to expand, it we require some financial support."

He added: "The programme we are looking at is not a magic trick to becoming a World Champion in a few years but a thorough and professional coaching course that lasts for six to seven years.

"However, if we take the fact that in just 14 months the club has produced two world-ranked female snooker players, we believe the future of this game is very good and we love being a part of it."

He appealed for sponsorship from the business community, saying: "These really are very exciting times and it is great to see children enjoying, and some even thriving, on a sport that even I, as an avid snooker fan and a player of the game for more than 25 years, would never have thought would be as successful as it is with potential for much more success and growth."

Contact Mr Benn via jezbenn@hotmail.co.uk or on 07977 997624 to discuss sponsorship opportunities.