AN 18-year-old Grasscroft student who learned to play snooker on a four-foot table has scooped a top prize.

Gabriel Taylor claimed the coveted Knock Out Trophy and a £50 cash prize beating off all-comers in the individual competition staged by Saddleworth Snooker, Darts and Crib League.

The league currently has about 100 players in eight teams across six clubs.

The competition, which started with about 40 entrants, is "handicapped" - like golf. So players of mixed ability compete against each other, and have a chance of winning. Gabriel beat players capable of century breaks.

Now Gabriel, who has just completed A-Levels at Bluecoat School, plans to take a year out from education.

His father Kevin said: “Gabriel and hopes to have the time to improve his snooker and his other two passions in life.

“He’s very keen on tennis as a member at Tame Valley Tennis Club and he plays rhythm and vocals in local up and coming indie band Plain Navy.

“He's been playing snooker at Dobcross Band Club for the last three years. He learned the basics on a 4ft table at home, then had a few lessons from Rick Williams, a professional coach based at the Moor Snooker Club, Heaton Moor.

Gabriel, whose father and brother also play snooker for Dobcross, has a highest break to date of 38.

He said: “Snooker is difficult to master. It takes concentration and patience, but once you learn the basic techniques the game becomes addictive.

"I'm already looking forward to next season,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dobcross Band Club is currently seeking extra dart and crib players to join its team in the Saddleworth 501 Summer Darts League.