A TALENTED young snooker player from Otley is seeking sponsorship to help him advance in the sport.

Ben Davis may be just 11 years old but has already competed in a number of regional competitions and amassed a collection of medals.

The Year 7 Prince Henry’s Grammar School student only began playing snooker in 2015 via a free, ten-week course provided by The Paul Hunter Foundation.

He took to it immediately, though, so much so that he gave up playing rugby to focus solely on his new interest.

Ben now trains at least five times a week with his coach, David Horrix, at the Menstone Club in Menston.

He also receives extra help from his father, Mark, and grandfather, Malcolm, who take him playing whenever they can.

His mother, Caroline, is delighted with how her son is progressing and is hoping a local business might like to sponsor him to help cover some of the training costs.

She said: “As well as his training with David, who has been an amazing help, we also take Ben to the Northern Snooker Centre in Kirkstall Road, Leeds, on a Saturday morning for a separate coaching session with other juniors from the area.

“He loves to play and watch snooker and would play it in his sleep if he could! He has always shown a desire to play and wants this as a career, not just a pastime.

“As Ben is coached a lot, it is quite expensive but it’s worth every penny to see his progress in such a short space of time.

“When he’s not at training he still wants to be playing, so he’s either with his dad at The Falcon Club in Otley, where the committee has agreed for him to be allowed to use the table, or at the Conservative Club if The Falcon’s closed.”

The family say they are already indebted to relatives, friends and the local community for the support they have shown.

Ben has also been inspired by meeting snooker legend – and six times World Champion – Steve Davis a few times.

The family also met Alan Hunter, the father of late professional player Paul, who died in 2006 aged just 27.

Caroline said: “Alan is such a lovely man. It’s thanks to his amazing son that Ben is getting these opportunities.”

Anyone interested in sponsoring Ben is asked to send an e-mail to carolinedavis87@yahoo.com.