DROITWICH pool player Darrell Bareham chalked up a place in history by becoming one of the first players from Worcestershire to secure a place in the England team.HAPPY POTTER: Darrell Bareham, 29, has qualified for England's Pool team.

Bareham, who lives in Chawson, won through the qualifying tournament at Great Yarmouth to make sure he joined a select group of players.

The gifted 29-year-old admitted his success surprised himself.

He said: "I'm still pinching myself to be honest it's a dream come true.

"I'd always hoped to make it into the England team but not so early on. I have dual nationality with Wales and my plan was always to try for them if I didn't make into the England team.

"But that's all over now as I have achieved one of my dreams.

"It's a great honour to be one of the first players from Worcestershire to make the England team.

Bareham only took up the sport six years ago after being a snooker player during his teenage years.

Now though he is gearing up for another milestone in his pool career when he competes in the qualifiers for the World Champions in Great Yarmouth on April 1.

He will be squaring up to other England players in a bid to make the squad going to the World Championships in Blackpool later in the year.

Bareham said: "It's another milestone for me but something I'm looking forward to."

The England qualifiers also saw a second player from Worcestershire make it into the England set up, when 16-year-old Scott Sturridge qualified for the under-18s team. Chairman of the Worcestershire Pool Association, Shane Surridge, who is also Scott's dad, was proud of both players' achievements.

He said: "We were overwhelmed that both of the lads had qualified for England. It is great news for pool in Worcestershire.

"There was a great atmosphere there and really good support for both Darrell and Scott.

"Scott started his qualifying games at midday and didn't finish until 1.30am so he was very tired, but really excited at the same time.

He played very well all day."