The death was announced at the weekend of popular referee Colin Brinded (photo), who died on Saturday.

After a battle against cancer, Colin passed away at the age of 59 at his home in Great Yarmouth.

He first donned the white gloves in 1976 and reached the pinnacle of a referee’s career in 1999 when he officiated the World Championship final. Despite his success in professional snooker, Colin retained links with the amateur game in Norfolk where he started his career and did much work for charities in the area.

Six-times world champion Steve Davis said: “If I knew Colin was refereeing my match, I knew I was in good hands. He was what a referee should be. He was also a really nice guy.”

Fellow snooker legend Stephen Hendry added: “Colin was a lovely guy and one of the best referees we’ve ever had.”