TEENAGER snooker aces Aimee Benn and Lily Dobson are blazing a trail against some of the best female players in the world.

The girls, both 14, have been making their mark in a series of events organised by the World Ladies Billiards and Snooker Association.

Aimee, from Burley in Wharfedale, has risen to 23 in the world rankings, while Lily, from Ilkley, is ranked at 37.

In February Lily became the Connie Gough Under 21 Champion after competing in Luton. Aimee made it into the quarter finals, where she was defeated by Ladies World Number 3, Maria Catalano, a cousin of Ronnie O’Sullivan.

The two rising stars will both be competing in Leeds at The Northern Snooker Centre at the beginning of April for the Ladies Festival Of Snooker.

Aimee said: "I started playing two years ago via the Paul Hunter Foundation held at The Menstone Club. I enjoyed the sport so much I decided to carry on and 12 months ago I joined the World Ladies Billiards and Snooker Association and started entering competitions playing against some of the best female snooker players in the world including Reanne Evans - 11 times Ladies World Champion."

"My ranking has soared from 59 to 54 to 41 to 29 to now 23. I’ve had so many amazing opportunities out of snooker and I can’t wait to see what the future of the game holds for me."

Lily Dobson said: "I started the same as Aimee, via the Paul Hunter Foundation and have been playing for around 18 months and competing for just under 12 months. I too practice at The Menstone Club as well as The Hollygarth. My ranking has also gone up and I now am in the top 40 at position 37."

Their coach David Horrix said: "Aimee and Lily have done very well and are two years or so into a seven year period of learning. When the girls complete their training, they will be strong and knowledgeable players. Until this point, the main objective is enjoyment and friendship, something these two are particularly good at."

The Paul Hunter Foundation was set up in tribute to the charismatic Leeds-born player – dubbed the Beckham of the Baize – who died of cancer at the age of 26.

The foundation offers free ten-week snooker courses to children from all backgrounds.

Clubs in Menston, Guiseley and Ilkley are among those taking part in the scheme, which is proving incredibly popular among children and young people.