PINT-SIZED hot shot Philip Burford may be smaller than the average player, but he is head and shoulders above the competition when it comes to skill.

The ten-year-old, from Darlington, has picked up a rack-full of junior titles, as well as senior, and now he has decided to use his talents to raise funds for charity.

Philip, who plays American nine-ball, will take on challengers during a poolathon at Rileys Snooker Club, in Bondgate, Darlington, today.

Players will be asked to donate 50p to play Philip, and losers must make a donation to the Butterwick Hospice.

The challenge will last for ten hours, without a break, and the youngster's father, Jeremy, is confident he will remain unbeaten.

He said: "Philip is a great talent, and is a very tough player to beat, so I am sure he will attract a lot of challengers, and raise a lot of money.

"He will take on anyone, whatever their ability. He just wanted to combine his love of pool with something that will raise money for a good cause."

Philip, who attends Hurworth Primary School, near Darlington, has been playing since he was seven, and he hopes to go on to bigger and better things as he gets older.

Mr Burford said: "He has decided he wants to take part in the world championship qualifier at Stockton soon, so who knows, he may beat a few competitors."