Players on cue in snooker tribute

Friends, colleagues and fans of late snooker star Paul Hunter who died of cancer turned out in force at a charity night to raise money for a charity set up in his memory.

Former world champion Ken Doherty and leading professional Stephen Lee were the star guests during the Walsall event at Bloxwich Memorial Hall. It was organised by Gary Millard, from Moxley, who became one of Paul's best friends when they competed on the junior circuit together.

It is estimated Saturday night's event raised more than £2,000 for the Paul Hunter Cancer Fund.

Gary, who is aged 37, never made it as a professional, but Paul made it to the very top – winning a number of major tournaments and becoming a millionaire in the process.

Despite their careers taking very different paths the two men stayed in touch and Gary would go and support Paul while he was competing in competitions. In return Paul took part in charity events organised by Gary, including one in Bloxwich back in 2004.

Gary said: "The fame and money never went to his head and he supported a number of charity events I organised and this is my chance to repay him for all his support.

"It was a huge shock when we found out he had cancer and I still can't quite believe he is no longer here."

Paul died of cancer in October 2006 at the age of just 27.

Both Ken Doherty and Stephen Lee took part in a series of challenge matches against players based at Bloxwich Memorial Hall in Bloxwich. There was also an auction of goods donated by leading sports stars including a pair of Ricky Hatton's boxing gloves and a shirt signed by Formula One star Jenson Button.

Mike Skidmore, aged 50, from Aldridge, enjoyed a frame against Irishman Doherty.

He said: "I used to watch Paul on television and he was obviously a great player. It's great to get the chance to play against a professional and also to raise money for charity," he went on to say. And Andy Bullock, aged 40, from the Aldridge area, added: "I met Paul when he came to Bloxwich and he was a top bloke and I wanted to do my bit to help."

Doherty, who flew in from Dublin specially for Saturday night's event, said: "Paul was a great lad and his death was a great loss for his family and the sport.

"He was a colourful character which is what the sport needs and I think he would have loved this evening."