WORLD Snooker have announced the Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice in Sheffield as their new official partner for this season.

The hospice, based in North Anston, offers care and support to children with a shortened life expectancy both in their homes and in the hospice. It provides support to children and their families throughout South Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and parts of Lincolnshire.

Last season World Snooker supported Havon House Children’s Hospice in Essex and raised more than £120,000 for the charity. And World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn said he was determined a similar sum can be raised again this season for Bluebell Wood.

“It’s only when you visit Bluebell Wood that you realise the extent of the work they do for children and their families,” he said. “It costs £3 million a year to provide that service and they receive no statutory government funding.

“We are determined to do everything we can to help them and we have several initiatives lined up which will raise money. Once again, player fines will be donated to the charity.

“Sheffield is the Snooker City so it is fitting that we are working with a charity in the region.”

Sarah Champion, chief executive of Bluebell Wood, said it was an incredible honour for the charity to be chosen by the sport’s governing body.

“We are so proud that World Snooker have decided to support Bluebell Wood,” she said.

“It is only through the support of organisations such as World Snooker that we can continue giving the vital support to children in our region who will not reach adulthood.”

For more information about Bluebell Wood or to make a donation visit www.bluebellwood.org.