FRIENDS and family of snooker star Stuart Bingham were glued to their TV screens last night as he won his first ever world title with a stunning 18-15 triumph against Shaun Murphy.

His pals from Rayleigh Lanes Snooker & Social Club, where Bingham practices, were cheering his every shot as he looked to complete a fairytale tournament with one last dream win.

And Kevin Gothard, a regular at Rayleigh Lanes, was among those delighted to see him win.

“We were all there watching and were cheering every shot that goes in,” said Gothard, from Rayleigh.

“I think he’s always had it in him to be able to do something like this but this is definitely the best I have ever seen him play.

“It was brilliant if he could win because he’s a really great geezer as well.

“He’s down to earth, he’s not above his stations and he’s very approachable too.”

Bingham strung together a succession of superb performances to work his way into the final at the Sheffield based Crucible venue.

The 38-year-old saw off both Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump on his way to the final.

And David Whitehead, the manager of the snooker club, was also among those urging Bingham on.

“Stuart is here pretty much every day practising and he actually has his own set of keys so he can come and go whenever he pleases,” said Whitehead.

“He normally comes in early before all the old boys, but it’s great to see him doing well because he’s a really good guy who really loves the sport.

“That comes across every time you talk to him and it would be great for him to win this final.

“People didn’t give him much of a chance against either Ronnie O’Sullivan or Judd Trump but he proved them wrong and he did the same against Shaun Murphy too.

“Shaun’s also a really good player but this is brilliant for Stuart and hopefully he can bring the trophy in next time he’s here.”