The 41-year-old voice of Mecca Bingo in South Shields was named the best caller in North East England at a regional final in Wallsend.

Mr Robson, of Taylor Street, South Shields, will now go on to the national finals in London in November.

Mr Robson, who lives with wife Denise and their two teenage sons, Daniel and Adam, said: "I'm still high as a kite, it's been absolutely brilliant.

"I'm over the moon and still can't believe it. I'm really looking forward to the final.

"It's the first time I've entered myself for it and to win it at the first attempt feels great."

Mr Robson will compete against the best in the country for £500, a trip for two to Los Angeles and also the chance to call bingo at the famous Sun Coast Casino in Las Vegas, as well as to become Britain's bino ambassador.

He has already gone through a stringent elimination and qualification process to get through to the regional final, including a video audition.

Mr Robson and the other competitors then had to wow the 400-strong crowd for three minutes before calling a game of bingo in their own unique way - and the South Shields man came out on top.

A bingo caller for 16 years, Mr Robson also tours the region's club circuit at weekends as a part-time singer.

He says he is proud to place his new trophy in his front room at home.

He added: "I was really nervous, but glad I came through it. I love my job and will be trying my best to win that trip to Vegas."

A spokesman for the National Bingo Game, which sponsored the event, said: "I have never seen such a happy crowd, and we look forward to the national final being just as much fun."