Karl Seth a bingo caller from the Buckingham Bingo Club, Manchester, has been judged Britains Bingo Caller of the Year.

The countrys premier bingo callers representing, Scotland, Wales and the four regions of England, each took to the stage, in front of a discerning audience of nearly 1,000 bingo players.

Each tried their best to impress the judges with their personality, clarity of calling, showmanship and professionalism, but Karls knowledge of the game; his showmanship skills, clarity of calling and stagecraft put him on top.

Last years winner and one of this years judges, lady bingo caller, Mandy Gargan, from Coalville in Leicestershire, said, It was a tremendously hard fought contest. Each of the six finalists had something different to offer; some were superb showmen; others had great calling voices and the marking was quite close indeed. We wanted a winner who was not only an excellent bingo caller, but who would be able to take on the role of ambassador for the bingo industry, with all the personality and panache that the job requires. I think Karl will do a magnificent job.

Karl said, I just cant believe it I watched the other contestants on stage and they were fantastic, I didnt think I stood a chance it really hasnt sunk in yet. Im delighted to have won.

"Bingo is big business now, with a half-million pound game coming up next month and up to £100,000 to be won on the National Game every night.

"When you are calling, every player is concentrating totally on your voice; you have to be clear, concise and keep it interesting by changing your intonation and pitch but most of all you cant afford to make a mistake, not with that sort of money at stake.

Karls prize is a week for two in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, plus £500 spending money, and the chance to call a bingo game at the Suncoast Casino in Las Vegas.