Ronnie O'Sullivan remains one of snooker's biggest draws

With tobacco sponsorship now banned - with the exception of the Embassy World Championships in Sheffield, which have had a stay of execution until 2005 - snooker has had to look further afield for funding.

Travis Perkins replaces former sponsors PowerHouse, whose one-year deal has expired.

"We are thrilled to be sponsoring one of snooker's biggest events for the next three years," said Travis Perkins chief Frank McKay.

"Snooker is an integral part of the British sporting calendar.

"The sport is enjoying a resurgence and has the long-term support of the BBC. With the UK Championship guaranteed at least 35 hours of television coverage, we knew this was an outstanding opportunity."

World champion Mark Williams will defend his UK Championship title at the Barbican Centre in York. The tournament runs from 18-30 November and will again offer a prize fund of £615,000.

World Snooker Enterprises chief executive Richard Relton said: "This is fantastic news for the sport, and shows that snooker is able to compete even in the most difficult market conditions.

"We are delighted to welcome Travis Perkins as our new partners and we are sure that their involvement will help us in our goal to drive snooker forward. These are exciting times and we are looking to the future."

The financial details of the deal remain undisclosed.