A YOUNG snooker fanatic had an 18th birthday to remember when four of the world's top players surprised him with an autographed cue.

Tim Alban, who has Down's Syndrome, celebrated his big day by watching household names Ronnie O'Sullivan, Steve Davis, Stephen Hendry and Neil Robertson do battle as the latest round of the big-money Premier League Snooker competition came to Malvern Theatres last Thursday.

His dad Dave said even just watching his heroes in action would have been the dream birthday for Tim, who is in the sixth form at Manor Park special school in Worcester.

"We had no idea anything like this was going to happen, and Tim was just over the moon because he had already had such a great night," he said. "I was told at the start of the night that he would be able to get a programme signed, but afterwards we got the programme back and discovered the players had wanted to give him a present when they found out it was his 18th."

Steve Davis, who beat Neil Robertson 4-2 on the evening, wished Tim a happy birthday.

"We are always delighted to help young snooker players on their way," he said. "I'm not sure if the signed cue for Tim will have any magic properties, but I hope he will enjoy years of pleasure with it."

Malvern Theatres spokesman Candice Pearson said they were delighted to host the Premier League event.

"The players were all under immense pressure, so it was especially nice that they took time to think of Tim," she said.

Although Tim has a snooker table at home and regularly plays at Malvern's Willie Thornes club, he will be resisting the temptation to use the cue and will instead frame it on his wall.

Tim plays for the Worcestershire Disability Football Club, and Mr Alban said his son's Downs Syndrome did not stop him being very independent.

"He is affected by the common symptoms, in terms of his mental age and reading ability, but he has no problems in terms of being outgoing," he said.