POOL star Ian Lea has spoken of his pride at becoming the first disabled player to reach a March league’s cup final.

Ian, who was born with Spina Bifida, has been playing pool and snooker from his wheelchair for more than four years.

But this season he has qualified for the Cherry Automatics March & District Pool League doubles final, alongside his partner Declan Gilmore.

Ian said: “I’m so proud to make it and extremely excited.

“I think this is my fourth year playing pool in the league and it has been a bit of a learning curve.

“It can be difficult sometimes to move my chair into the right position to let me play the shot.

“Apparently I’m the first guy in a wheelchair to get into a league final - I’m really looking forward to it.”

Ian, who lives in Turves and plays pool for the Three Horseshoes, has also qualified for the Golden Cue tournament in Great Yarmouth next month.

Sunday’s doubles final will see Ian and Declan take on Anthony Henson and Tony Nosworthy at Club Q, in March, from 1pm. The pair beat Grant Watson and Karl Wales 4-0 to reach the final.

Declan said: “Ian is unique. He’s a great player, he enjoys it and he’s a nice bloke.

“He’s so enthusiastic about it. There’s no lifts at Club Q so we will carry him, and the chair, up the stairs to play the final!”

The singles semi-finals and final will also be contested on Sunday.