Snooker legend Alex Higgins is returning to Preston tomorrow to face his old rival Jimmy White.

Alex, nicknamed the Hurricane, will take on Jimmy - known to his fans as Whirlwind - at the Regal Snooker Centre in Brook Street in a specially arranged exhibition match.

And Regal manager Chris Cookson, the man behind the event, says that Alex’s appearance may be his last, with fears over the former ace’s failing health.

Chris said: “Alex and Jimmy are both loved throughout the snooker community in Preston. The Preston people just love them.

“They are looking forward to see Alex and Jimmy again but there are concerns over Alex’s health and a fear that his cancer has come back. If that was to be the case, we need to cherish these moments.”

The twice world champion, 59, was diagnosed with throat cancer in 1998 and has had 40 treatments and an operation to remove a cancerous lymph node in his neck.

Higgins is no stranger to Preston, having played at the Guild Hall on a number of occasions, including the infamous 1986 incident when he head-butted a tournament official.

Chris, who used to practice with Alex in Manchester, added: “Last year he came here to do an exhibition and the crowd just loved him. He still has the same sort of charisma – and can still pot plenty of good balls on the table.

“I've known him since being a youngster and I class him as a personal friend."

The exhibition starts at 7.30pm. VIP tickets, including a buffet and introduction to the players, cost £50, with main room tickets at £20 available by calling Chris on 01772 824861.