Bingo callers compete for prize

Six bingo callers are taking to the stage of a south London bingo club as they battle it out to become National Bingo Caller of the Year.

The final of the competition is taking place at the Gala Bingo Club in Surrey Quays, south-east London.

The bingo callers are representing the Midlands, Scotland, Wales, the North East, North West, and the South.

The winner will get the opportunity to call a bingo session in a casino in Las Vegas and receive £500 spending money.

'Companionship and socialising'

The six finalists in the contest were chosen after winning regional competitions.

Gloria Pattinson, who is one of the judges, said London is the right place for the finals.

"It (bingo) has a huge following in London. There are about two million people who play bingo regularly.

"I think it's just the fun of it, the excitement, the adrenalin. There is a great deal of companionship and socialising about it as well," she said.

The winner of the competition, which is being hosted by TV personality Esther Rantzen, will be announced at 1610 GMT.