THE man known as “The Nugget” provided a memorable snooker masterclass as he visited Haverhill on Sunday.

Six-time world champion Steve Davis, visited the town’s Ex-Servicemen’s Club to support TJS Snookerbiility – a charity set up by local man, Tom Squires, to provide snooker for people with physical and mental disabilities.

Davis, who became the sport’s first millionaire, was on hand to provide three separate sessions, to the charity’s members, but also to local adults and children.

The 55-year-old, who also plays poker to a high level, signed pictures for everyone who attended as well as drawing the raffle at the event, supported by ‘The Paul Hunter Foundation’.

Davis, whose appearance earned £1,060 for Snookerbility, which will go towards buying new equipment and funding trips away for members, described the charity as “remarkable” as he entertained the audience with a question and answer session and advice for would be players.

“Everybody was in awe of Steve,” said Squires, who started TJS Snookerbility after realising there was no provision for people with learning disabilities to play snooker, in the UK.

“He answered a whole host of questions and stayed around until he had signed every autograph and knew how to entertain both young and old in the crowd.

“He described the charity as “remarkable” and I must admit, I became a bit emotional when he presented myself with a trophy. That was amazing.”

The success of the event means any further Snookerbility event will be endorsed by The Paul Hunter Foundation, something which will raise the profile of the charity and open doors to potential fund-raising.

“I would like to introduce more people to Snookerbility and hopefully, with the support of the foundation, I will be able to find ways to do this, either through further fund-raising or by extra people helping me,” said Squires, of Snookerbility, which is currently full to capacity.

The schools represented at the event were Samuel Ward, Burton End and Castle Manor.

Snookerbility was set up two years ago by Tim Squires.

Having been made redundant in 2010, he was dealt a further blow when he developed carpal tunnel syndrome, which affected the nerves in his wrist and threatened his very participation playing his favourite sport.

But when in Addenbrooke Hospital, waiting for his operation, Tim became determined to return to the sport he loved in some capacity.

Post-operation, and without a job, the 49-year-old decided to sell off some belongings to fund his place at the Terry Griffiths Academy in Wales and further his snooker playing and coaching skills. Almost two years later, and back in employment, Tim now dedicates one day a week to 20 members of his TJS Snookerbility Club, based at Haverhill Ex-Servicemen’s Club, in which he coaches people with a range of physical and mental disabilities in both the techniques and the history of the game.