Back in 2003, Wallsend officers looking for a good home for a snooker table when the police club closed, offered the full-sized table to a local family with snooker keen sons.

Stephen 17, and Sam 14, have been keen on the sport for a decade and Dad, also called Stephen, had to get their Wallsend home extended to accommodate the snooker table.

The brothers are well known on the snooker circuit, particularly Stephen, who at 13 was the youngest ever player from the north east to represent his country at the game.

He has been playing since he was six when he had to wear specially designed shoes to enable him to see over the table.

Now five years on and the pair are reaching new heights of sporting success.

Stephen recently won the European Under 19 Championships in Scotland beating Scotland's top junior Anthony McGill 6-2 in the final.

This qualifies Stephen for a place on the main tour next year and professional status.

While Sam has just won the English Under 16 Championship in Sheffield, beating London's Danny Daune 6- 3 in the final.

He's also gained a scholarship with 110 Sport Management.

Proud father Stephen Craigie said: "We'd just like to say a big thanks to Northumbria Police for their support by donating the snooker table which has really helped the boys on their way.

"Receiving the snooker table from the police was a major turning point in their snooker careers because it gave them such a big lift and the chance to put the extra practice into their game.

"Before we got the table the lads would have to wait until I came home from work before we could travel to the snooker club and by the time we finished we'd arrive back home at 9pm - 10pm every night.

"Now they do their practice nice and early."

Neighbourhood Inspector Mick Todd, of Wallsend Neighbourhood Team, said: "I'm really pleased the lads have been so successful; it's a great reflection on the area and it's good to know that the police have played a small part.

"Often young people only come to the notice of police for the wrong reasons – but that's certainly not the case here.

"They are a great example of what you can achieve with hard work, the right equipment and talent."