Bingo caller of the year crowned

Blake Robson impressed judges with his charisma

A South Tyneside man has been named the UK's bingo caller of the year.

Blake Robson, of South Shields, won the accolade after impressing judges with his charisma calling a game for 800 people in Wood Green, London.

His prize is to jet out to Los Angeles for an all-expenses paid trip and the chance to call at a Las Vegas casino.

Mr Robson fended off five other finalists from around the UK and underwent a tough cross-examination from the judges.

Mr Robson said: "I'm proud to be the number one bingo caller - it is such a serious game for serious money, someone in the UK this afternoon could win £1m.

"Anything can happen during a game the other week I was helping a lady who went into labour during a game and went on to have a baby girl.

"The bingo hall is often the social hub of the community - a place where people can go on their own or meet with friends and family."

The competition began in 1994 and is run by the National Bingo Game Association.