A YOUNG Hereford pool star has been part of the Wales side which won the World Youth Pool Championships in the Yorkshire resort of Bridlington.

Sixteen-year-old Austin Manning was part of the 15-strong team from the Principality which held off the challenge of England and Scotland to take the top prize.

For Manning, who plays on the Wales Youth Tour which has most of its events in the Cardiff and Merthyr areas, it was a second crack at the tournament.

"I have been playing pool since I was 10 when my dad took me down to the GWRSA club," he said. "And I have been playing for Wales since I was 13.

"Last year, I had to qualify to take part in the World Youth Pool Championships but this year, as I was ranked in the top 10, I was an automatic selection."

Manning, who is sponsored by Ks Pool and would eventually like to turn professional at the sport, has another major event to look forward to in August when he has been picked to take part in the European Billiards Association World Pool Championships in Germany.