WORLD snooker champion Stuart Bingham is helping an Echo sports reporter raise money for Havens Hospices...

by offering a fan the chance to play a frame against him.

Our Southend United reporter Chris Phillips, 33, is entered in his fifth London Marathon in April, aiming to beat the £5,000 he raised last year. To help him achieve this, Chris has enlisted the help of local sporting celebrities.

Snooker fans can bid for a chance to face Basildon-born snooker champion Bingham at Rayleigh Lanes Snooker Hall.

Chris is also auctioning a pair of goalie gloves, signed by Southend United’s Daniel Bentley, and a Blues shirt signed by manager Phil Brown and all 14 players from May’s Wembley play-off game.

Chris said: “There aren’t many other sports where you can get to play the world champion.

“Stuart’s brother-in-law received care at Havens and he wasmore than happy to give up his time for this. It shows how much Havens means to people.

“Every time I’ve met Stuart he’s come across as a really nice guy and a fantastic ambassador for the area and his sport.

“Being a reporter, I have access to these people, so I thought these things might make decent Christmas presents.

I’m hoping to raise a decent sum for Havens.

“I’ve known Daniel since he was in the youth team and he was happy to help out.”

His gloves are now listed on the online auction site Ebay, with £100 already bid for them.

Chris posted Bingham’s offer to play a frame overnight, and the signed shirt will soon also be up on Ebay.

Southend’s goalie said: “I was happy to be able to help, and hope the gloves can raise a bit of money for a really good charity.

“I’ve known Chris for years and wish him all the best with what he’s doing.”