Famous snooker brand closes factory

Riley's has exported snooker tables to 67 countries

One of the most famous names in snooker is to close its Lancashire factory with the loss of more than 100 jobs.

Riley's has sold snooker cues and tables across the world for more than 100 years.

But the Burnley-based company has hit financial problems and went into administration in November.

The rights to the Riley's name have been bought by their rival manufacturer BCE Distributors of Bedford.

Management buy-out

It said it was too early to say whether it would trade under the name or kill the brand off.

Riley's was the subject of a management buy-out two years ago but has hit problems since.

The globally-recognised brand has exported to 67 countries and was chosen to supply tables to the UK championships in York.

It was founded in nearby Accrington in 1897 by Edward John Riley and produced billiards tables.

Preston-based professional snooker player Ian McCulloch said players would be shocked to see the brand go.

He said: "Ninety-nine per cent of pros practice on them - they're probably the best tables in the world."