World Snooker is pleased to announce Pukka Pies as the new title sponsor of snooker’s UK Championship.

One of the sport’s premier events, the tournament, which runs from December 5 to 13 at the International Centre in Telford, will be known as the PUKKA PIES UK CHAMPIONSHIP. This follows an agreement, initially for one year, between World Snooker and the Leicester-based pie manufacturer.

Pukka Pies is a privately owned family business, founded in 1963. It employs 270 people and produces over 50 million pies and pasties per year at the most modern pie production facility in Europe, with a total emphasis on quality and hygiene.

World Snooker chairman Sir Rodney Walker said: “We’re delighted to welcome Pukka Pies on board as title sponsor of the UK Championship. It’s a famous and successful British brand, which makes it an appropriate sponsor for one of our biggest tournaments.   Everyone at World Snooker  and the players are looking forward to working closely with Pukka Pies to make this year’s tournament a great success.”

Pukka Pies co managing director Tim Storer said: “Pukka Pies are proud and privileged to be forming a new sponsorship partnership with a sport which enjoys a huge audience and participation among people of all ages.

“This event is one of the highest profile events on the World Snooker calendar and as Britain’s favourite manufacturer of branded pies there is a great synergy for us.”

Five-times UK Champion Stephen Hendry said: “Snooker gets fantastic television exposure and viewing figures so we have a lot to offer sponsors. I’m delighted that we’ve got Pukka Pies on board for the UK Championship.”

Leicester’s Mark Selby, the World No 7, added: “It’s great news for snooker to have another big sponsor on board. The UK Championship is one of our best tournaments – all of the players are desperate to win it and it’s up to us to make sure it’s a brilliant event. As a Leicester man I’m also delighted to have a local company involved in snooker.”

Shaun Murphy beat Marco Fu 10-9 in last year’s dramatic UK Championship final, and he’ll be defending his title against the likes of World No 1 Ronnie O’Sullivan, Betfred.com World Champion John Higgins, legend Stephen Hendry and Grand Prix winner Neil Robertson. The event, which has a history dating back to 1977 and has been won by many of snooker’s star names, will receive extensive television coverage from BBC Sport and Eurosport.

Tickets are still available, for details call 01952 561 700 or visit www.worldsnooker.com/uk

Essentially Group is World Snooker’s new sponsorship partner. For further sponsorship opportunities, contact Nick Hoyle on 0207 820 7016.

Pukka Pies enjoy a diverse range of sporting partnerships encompassing football, netball, hockey and motorsport.

Pukka Pies are the sponsors of the official England Football Supporters Band and club sponsors of England’s most successful ladies hockey team, Leicester Ladies.

Press release from Worldsnooker.com, picture is Pukka Pies MD Tim Storer with Mark Selby.