Pete's a fantasy prize-winner

A first-time fantasy football player is celebrating winning the manager of the month prize in the Express & Star's competition.

Pete Whitehouse, 56, won 100 cans of beer, courtesy of prize sponsor Banks's, after he came top out of 4,200 competitors in our brilliant free game during August.

The married father of two's team, Chedd Chasers, bagged 79 points during the opening weeks of the Premier League season, pipping his nearest rival by a single one point. He only entered the game after his manager at work suggested he have a go.

Mr Whitehouse, from Leek, said he was "absolutely gobsmacked" to win.

"I had never played fantasy football but I thought I would have a try with the Express & Star and I was amazed when I was manager of the month," he said.

Pete's line-up during August was: Green (West Ham), Corluka (Spurs), Higginbottom (Stoke), Upson (West Ham), Toure (Man City), Shawcross (Stoke), Modric (Spurs), Fabregas (Arsenal), Gerrard (Liverpool), Torres (Liverpool) and Drogba (Chelsea).

Civil servant Mr Whitehouse said he picked some of his defenders because he was short of cash after selecting expensive star strikers like Chelsea ace Drogba.

He is now hoping to be in the running for the overall cash prize of £2,000 by the time the season ends in May.

There is still time for new players to join the game, with more manager of the month awards up for grabs along with prizes for the first three places.

Go to www.expressandstar.com/fantasy football and enter the password: ferguson

This week's password: Voller