A 12-year-old will be aiming to turn the tables on more experienced opponents when he plays in the Whitstable Pool League.

Alfie Hopwood-Goulder, who goes to Canterbury-based Spires Academy, is thought to be the youngest player in the league this season, which will get under way this month.

Mum Aimee explained how Alfie had come to join the pool team, which represents The Plough in Swalecliffe, near Whitstable.

“I’m really, really proud of him,” she said.

“He turned 12 in February.

“We have just taken him down to that pub every so often, and he got playing on the pool table and the pub asked him to play for them in the league.”

Aimee has been impressed with how supportive everyone at the pub has been towards Alfie.

She added: “We were there one day recently and a guy asked to be his doubles partner. Because of his age, he will only play home matches.

“I suppose there might be one or two who aren’t too impressed he’s playing, given his age, but it’s nice that he has been given the opportunity.”

Alfie and his mum watched on with interest this week as Ronnie O’Sullivan claimed his seventh World Snooker Championship title to equal Stephen Hendry’s record in the modern era - but there are other sports Alfie is interested in, as well.

His mum stated: “He plays football every weekend. His father and I are separated, he plays football there and pool here.

“He watched the snooker with me, we watched Ronnie O’Sullivan win.

"He likes football and playing on his PlayStation - he is just like another 12-year-old boy, really.

“He is a good kid as well. He is a really likeable kid.”

Colin Mills, who helps run events at The Plough, assists organising the pool team and other functions at the pub.

Aimee explained: “He is very good at pool himself and has helped Alfie out. He is very involved at the pub in terms of the events they put on and the charity work they do.

“He is just a nice fella that wants to see Alfie do well.”