SNOOKER hopefuls who fancy their chances against one of the world's best players are invited to take part in an amateur competition to celebrate 150 years of the Wiltshire Times.

An amateur league of one-frame matches will be held at Cooper-Avon Tyres Sports and Social Club, Melksham, on February 6 and 7 to decide who will take on world star Stephen Hendry in a challenge match in Trowbridge the following weekend.

There are spaces for 64 players in the Melksham contest and about 30 have already put their names forward.

The overall winner will meet Hendry in the opening frame of the 2004 Premier Snooker League at the Civic Hall, Trowbridge, on February 14.

Seven of snooker's top names will be in Trowbridge, fighting it out on the baize, during the weekend of league action and joining Hendry will be John Higgins, Paul Hunter, Marco Fu, Steve Davis, Jimmy White and Mark Williams.

Terry Gregory, manager of Cooper- Avon Social Club, said the Wiltshire Times competition offered a once in a lifetime opportunity.

He said: "We could have some late nights on the Friday and Saturday while the matches are played because although we have allotted half an hour for each frame, we are aware it may take longer. That is the nature of the game and it tends to go on into the early hours.

"Everything is booked and ready to go and there is plenty of room for spectators around the tables."

The social club's tables have hosted several big names in the past including Ray Reardon and Steve Davis who played there as part of centenary celebrations for Avon Rubber.

Players will sign in at 6.30pm, on both nights, for the competition and play starts on the six tables at 7pm.

Anyone wishing to enter the competition must register before the event. To sign up call Carol Moth on (01225) 777292.

Players must be over 16, and entry is free but entrants will be asked to make a donation of at least £1 to the Wiltshire Times 150 Fund, a charity fund set up with the Wiltshire and Swindon Community Foundation to help groups in need in our circulation area. To kick off fundraising for the Wiltshire Times 150 Fund reporters and sales staff will join Wilbur the alligator at Tesco and Asda in Trowbridge tomorrow for a charity bag pack.

Tesco is also organising a fashion show of its new clothing range to celebrate the newspaper's birthday, which will be held at the Civic Hall on March 3.

Tickets for the show are available from Tesco customer service desk and the Wiltshire Times offices at 15 Duke Street, Trowbridge, BA14 8EF. They cost £5 which includes a free buffet on the night.

Tickets for the Premier Snooker event on February 14 and 15 are available from the Civic Hall box office on (01225) 762439.