SNOOKER star Paul Hunter (above) and wife Lindsey are celebrating after becoming parents.

The 27-year-old, who trains at the Syngenta club on Leeds Road, Huddersfield, has been battling cancer since April, 2004.

He has been undergoing chemotherapy.

But he was finally given something to smile about when Lindsey, 30, gave birth to 6lb 5oz Evie Rose.

A close friend said: "It's great news after what they've been through."

Paul, from Leeds, has refused to let his illness keep him from snooker.

The three times Wembley Masters Champion played at the recent Travis Perkins UK Championship in York.

He beat Jamie Burnett in his first win since starting his cancer treatment.

Paul, the world No 5, has described his chemo- therapy as unbearable.

He added: "I cried my eyes out, but I've tried to be positive. I haven't yet got the all-clear. Basically, I'm under surveillance."