Why bingo is a massive part of life

For grandmother Janet Dangerfield, playing bingo is more than just a hobby – it is a daily ritual.

The 66-year-old from Darlaston admits to going to Mecca Bingo in Wednesfield to play for four-and-a-half hours every evening without fail.

Yesterday Janet was one of hundreds of players who went to the club for the national finals of the Mecca Bingo Buddy of the Year competition.

The search for was launched to recognise and celebrate the thousands of friendships that have been built over the years at bingo clubs across the country.

The judging panel included GMTV presenter Lorraine Kelly and the national winner and their buddy won a seven day Mediterranean Cruise, courtesy of Mecca Bingo and Cadbury UK.

Janet says she has been playing bingo since the Wednesbury hall opened in 1997.

"I love bingo, it is a great game and the staff here are fantastic," says Janet, who lives in Lansbury Avenue.

"I've won a couple of times and the most I have taken home is £1,000. The buzz of winning keeps me coming back as I always wonder if I'm going to get the jackpot."

Janet, who has three children and five grand-children, says she doesn't get depressed if she doesn't win anything, she enjoys the social side to the game.

Every night she arrives at the club at 6.30pm and leaves at 10pm.

"My husband Len is great and gives me the money to play – I think he does it so he can watch what he wants on the television," she says.

Yesterday the 1,800 seats in the bingo hall were full and others were crowding around the 61 games machines lining the wall of the Dudley Street venue.

Among the bingo fans was Alfreda Wootton who, at 91-years-old, still enjoys visiting the club a couple of times a year.

Alfreda, from Walsall Wood, says she used to be a member of the Gala Bingo hall in Aldridge until it closed down in August last year.

"I've been playing bingo for around 30 years and enjoy coming with my friend Gladys," says Alfreda(CORR).

"We come on the Ring and Ride service and without that we wouldn't be able to come as we can't get on the buses.

"Over the years I have done quite well and the most I've won has been £1,000."

The national winner of the Bingo Buddy competition is a tearful Valerie Harkin from Glasgow.

She says: "It is difficult to take it all in, things like this don't really happen to me.

"I felt there were people out there that deserved it more than me."

Valerie was nominated by Alan Young who she befriended when he was at a very low point in his life.

Together they formed a cleaning company and Alan says Val is always helping others and is known as "Mother Teresa" by everyone at the club.

Friends Lisa Garbett and Michelle Hildreth from Darlaston say Valerie deserves her award.

Lisa, 33, from Horton Close says: "I've been playing bingo for three years and it is a great way to relax and socialise.

"We have won a couple of jackpots but we mainly come for the fun – it's not a game for pensioners, it's for all ages.

"I grew up playing bingo at home with my parents and then when I got into it I introduced my friend Michelle to it."

Michelle, 38, adds: "It is addictive but mainly because it is good fun and you have to put a lot of concentration into it.

"I have a lucky dabber which I use every time I come – so far it has lasted me six months and maybe it will bring me some luck tonight."