Former world champion Neil Mosley is aiming to launch a snooker revolution in Hartlepool, writes Neil Andrews.

Mosley, who won the amateur title in 1994, is poised to open a new club on February 20.

And the 33-year-old from Horden believes it can signal the start of a new era for snooker in the North East.

Four major regional champonship will be staged at the Top Deck club in Green Street in the near future and Mosley also intends to coach the area's best young talent.

Mosley, who spent five years on the professional circuit, has masterminded a £100,000 refit of the club.

He said:"It's an exciting project. We've taken over a former snooker club and totally transformed it.

"There were times when I thought it would have been easier to knock it down and start from scratch, but I'm delighted with the end product.

"We're offering people in the Hartlepool area the chance to play snooker in great surroundings.

"And I'm particularly excited by the prospect of coaching youngsters who are keen to improve.

"This area has traditionally produced good snooker players and I'm sure there are more coming through who would benefit from my coaching."

The club features 15 newly-clothed tables and a refurbished bar with a big-screen television.

It has already been chosen to host four North East events - the under-18 championship, the billiards championship, the Grand Master tournament and doubles championship.