The moment a snooker heavyweight of the future was discovered in Romford was relived on Friday as two of the sport’s most recognisable men revisited the club where it all began.

Six times snooker world champion Steve Davis was in Romford Snooker Club, Arcade Place, with the sport’s promoter Barry Hearn for a fundraiser in aid of the Mayor of Havering Cllr Melvin Wallace’s chosen charity.

Davis, 54, played five frames against club members as more than 100 people packed into the club to watch him sink balls in the same spot where he learned his craft.

He told the Recorder: “I first walked into this club in 1975 I think, so from that perspective it’s got a lot of history for me.”

Speaking of snooker clubs he said: “There’s generally a lack of social interaction and snooker clubs are a really good, cohesive place.

“In an area where we have kids hanging around street corners, the chance to play snooker is a great thing.

“Everyone should be a member of a club and have that common interest – that’s the most important point.”

Davis, nicknamed The Nugget, relived some of the old magic on Friday, knocking in a break of 95 during one of his winning frames.

Former owner of Romford Snooker Club Barry Hearn, who discovered and managed Davis, spoke of being told about the prestigious talent playing in his club.

He said: “I knew he was special”, adding: “I could talk to you for five hours about this place! The memories are unbelievable.”

Money was raised from the event by ticket sales and a raffle which included snooker cues as prizes.

Barclays in Romford offered to triple the money made from the raffle.

Everything raised will go to St Francis Hospice, Broxhill Road, Havering-atte-Bower, supported by mayor Cllr Wallace.