TWO young snooker players from the North-East are hoping to break the world record for playing snooker by holding a marathon session over the Easter weekend.

Phillip Marshall, 20, and Ross Terrington, 22, from Consett, County Durham, aim to play snooker continuously for 65 hours in the hope of breaking a world record that currently stands at 50 hours.

They started on Friday evening at the Supa Snooker Club, Newmarket Street in Consett and should finish at 1pm tomorrow. (Monday April 1) Strict Guinness World Record guidelines incorporate only a five-minute break for every hour played and the whole activity will have to be witnessed throughout.

The challenge is being undertaken to raise money the Willow Burn Hospice charity, which is based at Maiden Law and provides palliative care for people with life-limiting illness.

For every pint bought over the three days, 10p will go to the hospice.

Mr Marshall, who works for called Durham Agency Against Crime, said: “We are hoping to raise loads of money.

“It is a fantastic cause and one that continually helps those who are suffering with incurable illnesses, making their lives as comfortable as possible.”