Tony Moakes, 41, of Southview Leisure Park, was diagnosed with cancer in April and doctors said he would have only a few months to live.


His friends, including Richard Robinson, decided they would surprise him by arranging for snooker player Jimmy White to meet him.


Mr Moakes said: "I was told I was going for a meal with my parents and I was waiting to go inside when he comes around the corner.


"I thought he was doing an exhibition but then he asked me if I wanted to get a drink."


They were they whisked off to The Cue Bar at Botton's Pleasure Beach in Grand Parade, where they played a few frames of snooker.


Mr Moakes, a Stagecoach bus driver, and his friends used to go to the world championships in Sheffield every year and was delighted to meet Mr White.


He added: "It was fantastic, he is a total gentleman and I couldn't wish for a better night. "It was a privilege to play with the people's champion."


Mr Robinson, who helped organise the evening, said: "Tony was diagnosed earlier this year and it meant we couldn't go to The Crucible in Sheffield. Because we couldn't go we wanted to do something and arranged for Jimmy to come here.


"Jimmy is an idol for all of us and it was a brilliant night all round."


A raffle and auction at the Cue Bar raised £700 for Macmillan Nurses.