A bingo caller of just over eight months has been declared the British champion at a London final after beating four competitors with years of experience.

But it was a bittersweet victory for Peter Lewis, from Castle Bingo Club, whose car was stolen on the same night back home in Cardiff.

Mr Lewis, 59, has won Britain's Bingo Caller of the year title and his prize is a week's holiday in Los Angeles and Las Vegas as well as a chance to call a game at a top casino there.

Peter Lewis and actress Lesley Joseph with his golden microphone prize

He said: "I had such wonderful support. Two coachloads of 160 people from Castle Bingo on Newport Road came with me and every one of them had a Welsh flag.

"I felt like I was performing at the Arms Park," said Mr Lewis, from the Rumney area of the city.

The bingo caller, who used to be a singer and was involved in cruise ship entertainment, was put forward for the competition by his bingo club manager.

Mr Lewis studied in seminars and courses in preparation for the competition in Wandsworth in London.

On Saturday five competitors from across the UK competed for the top honour after being put through gruelling tests on gaming law and calling a game.

The old stuff is taboo now but I've got a twinkle in my eye,"

Peter Lewis

Mr Lewis said he avoids all the clich�d bingo phrases like legs eleven and number ten.

"I had to do a three-minute patter and call a game. The old stuff is taboo now, but I've got a twinkle in my eye," he said.

"I keep it very serious when the game is on and have a bit of fun in between.

"When they announced I had won, my supporters sang 'We'll Keep a Welcome in the Hillside' and I was crying like a baby."

Mr Lewis said he came into bingo calling after moving back home from Mexico following a career in show business.

His wife Guillermina and his son are still over there and were thrilled to hear of his success.

More than 150 supporters went from Cardiff

"I called her last night and they both said 'Well done'.

"They are due over next June, although it would be nice to see them in Las Vegas."

Judge Alan Stockdale, who won the event last year, said: "We had to choose 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 the job requires.

"I think Peter will do a magnificent job," he added.

Mr Lewis said he was amazed at the support he had from Cardiff.

"I can't express the thanks for the support I have had from the bingies, as we call them," he said.