Mecca Bingo Caller Crowned

Hundreds of Bingo enthusiasts turned out for the national Bingo Caller of the Year awards.

Blake, 41, a former pub manager and part-time singer, works at South Shields Mecca Bingo and was North-East champion before taking the national title.

Blake Robson won the honoured title of Bingo Caller of the Year at yesterday's national final in North London. Blake wins an all-expenses-paid trip to Los Angeles and the chance to call bingo at one of Las Vegas' top casinos, plus £500 and a trophy. Emmerdale actress Lorraine Chase presented his prize.

The annual competition searches for the UK's best bingo caller. Heats are held in various regions, with each area sending the regional winner to the finals.

Winner Blake will spend the year being an ambassador for UK bingo, an important job in a year that has seen bingo profits plummet, hit by rising taxes and the smoking ban.