A former snooker superstar is recovering from the worst break of his career.

One-time world champion Joe Johnson is in hospital after fracturing his ankle.

The ex-champion, who is ranked 96th in the world, fears that the injury has dashed all hopes of a comeback and may even force him into retirement.

Mr Johnson, who was world champion in 1986, moved to Cawood, near York, six months ago.

He was at home with his family when he slipped down some steps, badly twisting his leg.

The player later learned he had broken his ankle in three places and is now recovering at York District Hospital following treatment.

He said: "It's a very bad break, they have said. I have had to have surgery and it is very painful.

"But the worst thing is that I will probably have to retire.

"The standard is so high now that if you don't get into the top 96, and I am currently number 96, then you have to retire. It's a forced retirement."

The 51-year-old father-of-six had been on the comeback trail following a quadruple heart bypass last year.

Last season he was only one round away from playing once more at the World Championships in Sheffield.

Despite being the oldest player on the world tour, he had been on good form.