A WILTSHIRE teenager has become one of the youngest official snooker coaches in the country.

Riley Ellis, 17, passed the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) Level One course in Leeds.

The WPBSA’s Head of Coaching and Training Development Manager was impressed with Ellis, who lives in the village of Clyffe Pypard near Royal Wootton Bassett.

Chris Lovell, who ran the course with top coach Andrew Highfield at the Northern Snooker Centre, said: “Riley’s one of the youngest official WPBSA coaches.

“He’s a nice lad, well-mannered, bright, enthusiastic and professional.”

Ellis described the course as “an amazing experience” and was delighted to get the opportunity to pick the brains of a current professional player.

He said: “The course was fantastic. Being one of the youngest people to be a qualified coach feels amazing and I hope it can inspire other young players to become one too.

“It was fascinating to be surrounded by such experienced adults and also to have the chance to chat to professional player Michael Holt and former professional player Lucky Vatnani.

“Overall, the experience was something I will carry with me for the rest of my life and I hope to continue on my coaching path at Fareham and Chandlers Ford Snooker Club.”

Ellis runs a junior session from 5-6.30pm every Wednesday at Fareham Snooker Club. The cost is £5.

A fine player in his own right, Ellis reached the semi-finals of the southern stage of the English Under-16 Championship in Reading earlier this month. In 2016/17, he won the Cuestars Under-21 Bronze Tour.