WHEN Ross Jones heard the Ebbw Vale Corus steelworks was shutting he thought his world had collapsed around him - until a new career presented itself right on cue! He said: "I had spent 14 years in the tinning and coating section and had no idea what I was going to do."

Then his parents-in-law, owners of the Tredegar Snooker Centre, made him an offer he couldn't refuse.

"They said they wanted to retire and offered me the chance to buy them out and my wife and I decided to go for it."

Mr Jones had always had a love of snooker, but had no experience of running his own business.

He approached UK Steel Enterprise who support new and existing businesses in steel areas, and they were delighted to help him raise funds for the £200,000 purchase.

"They have been excellent. I put together a business plan and on the basis of it they lent me £35,000 and advised me on raising the rest of the capital."

Mark Hislop, UK Steel Enterprise Regional Executive , said: "I am delighted that we have been able to help Ross, he has many good ideas that he wishes to implement at the club and I am sure that he will be successful.

"Our aim is to support both Gwent companies and ex-Corus employees who have a viable business idea."

Mr Jones has already made changes to the centre, installing a large screen in the attractive upstairs lounge, which he is using as a function room for receptions, company parties, children's birthday parties and rugby international days.

On the ground floor the club has seven tables, and Mr Jones believes it is the only such place within a ten mile radius.

"It is one of the best known snooker clubs in the area. "Mark Williams used to play here as a child, I remember him winning the Blaenau Gwent Open here, and many other famous players have used the club over the years. I have always been involved with snooker through the centre, and when this chance came I decided to grab it with both hands."

PICTURED: Mark Hislop (left) of UK Steel Enterprise, gets some tips on the game from Ross Jones.