ANDREW Healey hopes his number comes up when he challenges for the title of Midlands bingo caller of the year.

The Stourport 23-year-old is one of six shortlisted candidates in the running. A former circus juggler, he works at Shipleys in New Road, Kidderminster.

He will be hoping it will be second time lucky, as he was also shortlisted in the competition last year.

"I managed to win a place in the regional final last year and it was a great experience," he said, "I have learned a lot in the past year and know exactly what to expect.

"I would love to become an ambassador for the bingo industry."

Mr Healey, lives in Millgate Close, Stourport, with his wife, Deborah, 21, and they have a six-month-old son, Tyler.

He has worked at Shipleys for two years. His manager there, Leonardo Palmer, said: "Andrew did himself proud last year. His enthusiasm for the job is obvious.

"He is a unique character, both on and off the stage. He is popular with everyone and a tremendous asset to the club."

The Midlands final of the competition takes place at Erdington in Birmingham on Thursday, September 29. The winner goes forward to compete for the national title and a £500 prize. There is also a trip for two to Los Angeles and a chance to call a bingo game in Las Vegas.