His 18-year professional career saw him win the 1979 UK Championship among four non-ranking titles.

Alongside that he is best known for his post-playing career, co-presenting the snooker TV programme and Saturday night favourite Big Break from 1991 to 2002.

John Virgo at the Sports Village (Image: Newsquest)

John Virgo (far right), Cliff Thorburn, Michaela Tabb and Jimmy White (Image: Newsquest)

Following his retirement in 1994, Mr Virgo took up a full-time commentary position with the BBC.

But locally, he – or rather his name – will be remembered by those who knew Holt during the early 2000s.

The former UK champ, who was also famous for his TV trick-shots and wacky waistcoats, officially opened a new-look snooker club which bore his name back in 1999.

A picture of the opening of Virgo's, in Holt, from a newspaper clipping from 1999 (Image: Newsquest)

Friend of 20 years, Roger........

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