HERE'S a new angle on the game of skittles and one that probably graced the drawing room of a wealthy English family.

It was discovered by Dave Thomas, of Newnham, during renovation work at a house once owned by the Wedgwood family in the Midlands.

When Mr Thomas moved to the Forest he brought it with him and in doing so returned it to its county of origin for it was manufactured by E.H. Ferrabee, of Chalford, Glos.

"I've never seen anything quite like it before," said Mr Thomas.

"It is very old but extremely well made and demands quite a bit of skill to play. The balls are rolled down a ramp to a chute which is controlled by a knob at the other end of the table."

Mr Thomas believes the game could be as much as 200 years old.

"I've been told the company Ferrabee and Ruck once made snooker tables but I would like to know more about them. Was this game in regular production or just a one-off? It would be very interesting to know," said Mr Thomas.