SNOOKER starlet Farakh Ajaib is celebrating once again following a pre-tournament big break'.

The 16-year-old schoolboy won the Under-18 final of the 2007 NLTG Charity Snooker Competition with a borrowed cue, after snapping his own through frustration just days before the big event.

Farakh, who recently pocketed the North West Under-16 Snooker Championship title, will now use some of his £230 prize money to purchase a suitable replacement.

"Buying a new cue was top of my priorities before finals day, so at least now I've got a decent amount of money to throw at it.

"It's important to have equipment you feel comfortable with, especially in a sport like snooker, so I need to make sure I get the right one.

"Hopefully I won't fall out with this one like I did with the last!"

Over 200 youngsters, in four different age categories, took part in the annual event, which this year was staged to raise funds for one of the Group's chosen charities - Maundy Relief.

After two-months of competition, finals day was held at Brooks Club in Accrington and featured special guest Steve Davis, who played an exhibition frame against each competition winner.

Farakh claimed the £150 top prize courtesy of a 3-0 win over Padiham club-mate Ben Hyatt in the Under-18 final and was also awarded a further £25 for the highest break of 54.

But the Accrington ace was unable to make it a clean sweep after losing 2-0 to Nelson's Kamran Ashraf in the Under-16 final. Kamran, of Preston Rileys, picked up the £75 top prize, whilst Farakh claimed the £40 runners-up prize and £15 for the highest break of 77.

Chris Ashton defeated Scott Bracken 2-0 in an all-Padiham Under-14 final. And it was a good day all round for young Chris, who pocketed the £50 winner's prize, £10 highest break prize (of 50), before going on to defeat six-time World Champion Steve Davis 49-22.

Finally, Calum Warburton defeated Jonathan Hannan 2-0 in an all-Accrington Elite Under-12 final to walk away with the £50 top prize, whilst Jonathan picked up £25 for coming second and a further £10 for the highest break of 26.

Following the interval and presentations by the Group's Managing Director, Mr Jim Harkness, there was an auction and raffle, which raised over £1000 for charity. The audience were then treated to the NLTG Snooker Challenge, which saw Steve Davis defeat local snooker pro Chris Norbury 2-1, a trick-shot routine and then Q&A session.

Event organiser Russell Large said: "The evening was a fantastic and memorable occasion for all. Steve Davis was the perfect ambassador for snooker. His wit, charm, friendliness and professionalism was evident throughout."