POOL players shocked by the death of 32-year-old ace player Paul Rodgers are planning to dedicate a competition in his memory.

The father-of-four, who died from a single stab wound to the chest, was one of the founding members of the Trowbridge and District Pool League.

News of his death has stunned the pool community in Trowbridge and Melksham where he was a popular player.

Trowbridge and District Pool League players abandoned games as a mark of respect this week but Mr Rodgers's 29-year-old brother Wayne said he wants the league to carry on.

Mr Rodgers, who is a regular player in the Melksham Town Pool League, says he wants to take his brother's place in the league's doubles semi-final as a tribute.

Trowbridge league chairman Russ Matthews said players had been ringing him non-stop to express their grief.

He said a framed photograph of Mr Rodgers holding the singles trophy he won on many occasions would be presented to his grief-stricken family.

"I got to know Paul really well. It is a great and tragic loss," he said.

"We wanted to do something in his memory and are considering playing a memorial match and later maybe dedicating a trophy. These are just ideas and we have to talk to the family.

"He was a fantastic player in his time. Ten years ago he was head and shoulders above the rest and set the standard. All the players are absolutely gobsmacked. I have had loads of phone calls from people wanting to know when the funeral is.

"His death has touched the pool community."

The family are still waiting to arrange Mr Rodgers's funeral and plan to bury him with his favourite pool cue.

Wayne Rodgers said he wants to organise a memorial match in his brother's memory at The Foresters Arms pub, in Sandridge Road, Melksham.

He said: "It would be good to have a trophy or competition in his memory but we have to work all that out after the funeral.

"I still have good and bad days, it has hit me hard."

A 29-YEAR-OLD man charged with the murder of Paul Rodgers appeared at Bristol Crown Court this week. Leigh Page, of Magnolia Rise, Trowbridge, is accused of stabbing 32-year-old Mr Rodgers to death in Broadcloth Lane two weeks ago. Page was remanded in custody at the preliminary hearing held on Tuesday.