One of the world’s biggest snooker events ­ attracting all the sport’s leading stars such as Ronnie O’Sullivan and reigning world champion John Higgins ­ is on its way to Telford.

The Maplin UK Championship will be held at Telford International Centre for the first time, from December 8-16.

It is the second most prestigious tournament in the world and civic leaders have hailed its arrival as a massive coup for the town as well as its tourist industry.

Councillor Andrew Eade, Telford & Wrekin Council leader, welcomed it as a huge boost to the borough.

“I think it is a great thing for the town and shows we have the facilities here to put on what will be a great tournament,” he said.

“I am certainly looking forward to it coming and to the extra trade and publicity it will bring.”

World Snooker, the organising body, announced it is coming to the area because of its strong support for snooker and the strength of the venue.

The TIC has previously hosted the 2000 Grand Prix and the 2002 British Open.

“From past experience we know that the International Centre has proved a popular venue for the players and that there is enthusiastic support for snooker in the area,” said a spokesman.

The event will bring the world’s top players including O’Sullivan, Hendry, Steve Davis, defending champion Peter Ebdon and current world champion John Higgins.

Sarah Bird, tourism executive for Shropshire and Telford, said: “We are delighted to welcome the event to the destination and we look forward to working with the organisers and the International Centre to promote the event throughout the region.”

The event is provisionally arranged from December 3.

Tom Gray, TIC chief executive officer, said: “We are very much looking forward to hosting the Maplin UKChampionship.

“It is a fantastic event ­ not just for our venue, but for the whole of Shropshire. Since we last hosted a snooker tournament our venue has gone through a massive redevelopment programme.”

The UK Championship, sponsored by electronics retailer Maplin, has a history dating back to 1977 and offers a top prize of £100,000.

* Tickets for the tournament are now on sale and can be bought by calling the box office on 01952-561700.