A CAR salesman is swapping cars for cues next week as he aims to retain his World Billiards Championship Crown.

Chris Shutt, 28, who works at Sherwood's Vauxhall and Chevrolet dealership in Standard Way, Northallerton, will defend his championship against the world's best players at the Pontins Holiday Park in Prestatyn, North Wales.

He practises three times-a-week at Tables, in Thornaby, and alongside his career with Sherwoods, also works hard to secure sponsorship to support his sporting endeavours.

Before last year's success his best performance in the World Championships came in 2001 when he reached the quarter- finals aged just 23.

The 2006 tournament begins next Tuesday and the competitors will be playing for a top prize of £5,000.

Mr Shutt, who lives with his wife Lisa and son Samuel in Middlesbrough, said: "I am really looking forward to this year's championship, although it's always more difficult going in as the defending champion."

Potential sponsors can call him on (07917) 765491.