BINGO lovers flocked to Feltham for a championship semi final competition, which saw 14 local residents achieve success.
Keen players from Feltham and Hounslow showed off their skills when they entered the 2011 Gala Bingo Championships semi-finals, which took place last Sunday.
The event was a great success at the Feltham venue, which attracted controversy earlier this year when two women were barred after a fight broke out during a game.
A whopping 3,102 bingo enthusiasts from all over the south east entered the semi-finals, which were held in a number of towns ranging from Feltham to Acton.
They were all vying to win a place in the final, where an overall winner will bag a £ 100,000 cash prize and the coveted title of 'Ultimate player of the 2011 Gala Bingo Championships'.
The 14 local finalists will now enjoy a free mini-break in Gibraltar in November where the grand final will be held.
Wendy Radcliffe, 41, a finalist from Primrose Place in Isleworth, said: “I’m really excited, I had a lovely afternoon, my mum was there to support me as well, I’m really looking forward to the finals.”
Hazel Thomas, 65, a finalist who plays at Gala Bingo in Hounslow and lives on Courtfield Road, said: “I had a very enjoyable day at the semifinals. I'm very much looking forward to the finals in Gibraltar, hopefully the weather will stay nice as well."
Steve Lightfoot, club manager at Gala Bingo in Feltham, said: “This exclusive event has been a great success so far, the day was full of fun and games and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves. I wish the best of luck to all finalists in Gibraltar."
The 14 semi-finalists from the borough defeated competitors from Barkingside, East Ham, Enfield and Leyton and Stratford among others places, to win a place in the final.
