Snooker legend Cliff Thorburn played an exhibition evening the Ivanhoe Club in Ashby last week to support local player Daniel Blunn.

Daniel has built a reputation as being one of the best players in the world.

He was born with Cerebral Palsy - but that has not stopped him from winning 17 World Disability Billiard and Snooker titles so far.

He is the most successful player on the WDBS tour and has been inducted into the World Snooker Tour Hall of Fame.

Daniel Blunn with his Hall of Fame Trophy

Former World Champion Thorburn, now 77, came to the Ivanhoe Club to help raise funds for Daniel, so that he can travel the world to challenge for more titles.

The Canadian was nicknamed 'The Grinder' because of his slow, determined style of play.

Last week in Ashby, he took on six frames against club members - including Daniel - in front of an audience of fans.

Thorburn told Ashby Nub News that he was happy to come and help Daniel, a member at the Ivanhoe, and his career.

He said: "It was great to be there and have an opportunity to help to raise some money for Daniel. He's quite the player and loves the game. 

"He's got the passion that we all have and he's very competitive. I hadn't met him until I came to the Ivanhoe Club, but I've read about him, and I've seen many pictures. 

"And of course, he's in the Hall of Fame, that really is an honour and very special.

"If what he's doing can help get snooker into the Olympics, then the world's going to be the sport's oyster - and can help players get the funding to get people playing. We want to make the game accessible for everyone.

"These days, I'm coaching and I just want to hang around with people that care about the game, and that includes starting a Masters type format.

"I also like coming out to places like this and doing a few trick shots and tell a few stories - the ones I can tell. I kike to talk about the big names and heroes of the past, we all poked fun at each other, but it was all good fun."

Daniel welcomed Thorburn to the club and was delighted to take on such a big name from the sport.

Daniel Blunn with John Villiers who will sponsor the player to promote his book Mad Not Bad

He said: "It came about when Cliff was doing an exhibition match in Wales and my name was mentioned.

"It ended up with him coming to Ashby and it was all quite prestigious.

"I remembered seeing him make his televised 147 with that big, that big blue shirt and that big bow ties."