A bingo caller is celebrating after his lucky numbers came up.

Perhaps it was lucky number seven that helped Dale Wilson, of Huddersfield Mecca Bingo to be crowned host of the year in the national awards for the company, one of the biggest bingo chains in the UK.

Dale, 26, beat off tough competition from five other finalists at Mecca’s Leeds Hunslet site to win the title and become Mecca Bingo’s ambassador for the next year.

He also won £5,000 and a trip to Florida for going “the extra mile” in his role at the Folly Hall Mills site since he started out three years ago, by leaving bingo lovers in stitches with his zany antics.

As well as being no stranger to calls of legs eleven and two fat ladies, Dale, of Almondbury, has been bringing his events to life with his jokes, theatrics and paper plane competitions that have made the game so much more than stamping a card.

Huddersfield bingo caller Dale Wilson with area manager Stuart Booth and Ricky Tomlinson

“I’m completely over the moon at winning the National Final”, he said.

“I don’t think it has sunk in properly yet but the Host of the Year competition has been an amazing experience and all the finalists have had lots of fun.

“It’s great that I have been able to take this award back to my club and share it with the team.

“Everyone deserves this award because everyone here at Mecca Huddersfield is fantastic at what they do.

“They make coming to work every day a pleasure and I wouldn’t be able to do it without them.”

He talked about what makes a great bingo caller.

A punter holds up her winning card.
A punter holds up her winning card.

“To be a bingo host you have to have nerves of steel and a lot of confidence.

“It’s all about making the members feel welcome and making sure they always have a great time.

“I’m so lucky to have won the finals and I can’t wait to jet off to Florida with my fiancé.”

Four judges made the decision at the event, which was hosted by Royle Family star Ricky Tomlinson.

Kevin Johnson, one of the judges and Mecca’s Promotions Specialist, said: “Myself and the other judges had the unenviable task of trying to choose one winner out of a very first-class group of finalists who have all set a high standard.

“Dale was the stand-out performer and his crowning as Host of the Year is much deserved.

“Our Mecca Hosts are fantastic at their job and aside from providing entertainment and making members laugh; they are integral to our success and do the role of calling the games expertly.”

Adrian Layrie, Club Manager at Mecca Huddersfield, said: “We are all very proud of Dale and ecstatic that he has become the Mecca Bingo ‘Host of the Year’.

“Every day, Dale goes the extra mile and makes sure that Mecca members at the Huddersfield club are having a fantastic time.

“He really embodies the “Mecca spirit” and is highly regarded by his fellow colleagues and club members.”