A city snooker player is hoping to use his 'superpower' in pursuit of glory on the world stage.

James Lodge, who lives near the UEA, has an autism spectrum disorder but has found a love for potting balls and is now even dreaming of going to the Paralympics.

Sponsored by the Woodside snooker clubs in Norwich and Dereham, the 27-year-old has even made it to eighth in the World Disability Billiards and Snooker (WDBS) rankings in his classification.

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich snooker player James Lodge, right, met three-time world champion Mark Williams at an event in LincolnNorwich snooker player James Lodge, right, met three-time world champion Mark Williams at an event in Lincoln (Image: James Lodge)

James competes in Group Six, which is split into two halves, with A being for people with intellectual disabilities and B - which he competes in - being for people with a range of intellectual disabilities, such as neurodevelopmental disorders and neurological conditions.

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James said: “I try to not let my disability affect me negatively and see it as more of a superpower instead.

"I have made many friends on the autism spectrum through the WDBS and outside of it.

Eastern Daily Press: James Lodge, who has an autism spectrum disorder, has made it to eighth in his World Disability Billiards and Snooker classificationJames Lodge, who has an autism spectrum disorder, has made it to eighth in his World Disability Billiards and Snooker classification (Image: Elizabeth Lodge)

"They’re kind, understanding and genuine people. We shouldn’t be a minority in society and I want to keep showing that we have much to offer in many ways.”

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Since joining the WDBS last year, James has reached the quarter-final of three competitions.

Eastern Daily Press: James Lodge met 2005 world champion Shaun Murphy at Woodside Snooker Centre in NorwichJames Lodge met 2005 world champion Shaun Murphy at Woodside Snooker Centre in Norwich (Image: James Lodge)

His day job is working as a policy intern for Essex County Council but he was also made chairman of Norfolk Billiards and Snooker County Association four months ago and works to bring more coverage to the sport.

Snooker has been trying to gain readmittance to the Olympics in recent years, unsuccessfully so far, and those in the sport also have their eyes on a Paralympic future, targeting being involved in Australia in 2032.

James will be doing all he can to push those claims, adding: “Snooker is a sport with a lot of heritage, it would be fantastic to show it on the world stage.”