An Ipswich bingo caller who has been shouting out lucky numbers at a club for more than 20 years says she is "delighted" after reaching the national competition of a final.

Kara Smith, of Club 3000 Bingo in Ipswich, has made the final eight (garden gate in bingo lingo) of the National Bingo Game Caller of the Year 2024 competition. 

The mother-of-two has reached the final, which will take place on November 17, after winning the regional stage of the competition by representing the Independent Bingo Clubs for Midlands and the South.

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Mrs Smith, who met her husband of seven years at the club, said: “I’ve been working at the club for over 20 years, and I love the thrill and excitement that bingo creates.

"I am delighted to be in the final in November and cannot wait. We are one big family at the club - I even met my husband here 17 years ago, as a customer!”

Club 3000 Bingo, which is based in Lloyds Avenue in Ipswich, near Crown Pools, was previously known as Mecca Bingo Ipswich before it changed hands in 2019.

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The club was previously called Mecca BingoThe club was previously called Mecca Bingo (Image: Archant)

The competitors will be judged on their showmanship, knowledge of the game and skills as a caller. 

The winner of the final will receive a trophy, £1,000 in cash and also become an ambassador for the land-based Bingo Industry and the National Bingo Game over the next two years.

Kara says she is delighted to reach the finalKara Smith says she is delighted to reach the final (Image: Club 3000 Bingo)

READ MORE: Ipswich Leisure News

The runner-up will also receive a trophy and £500.

Chief executive of The Bingo Association, Miles Baron, added: “The National Bingo Game Caller of the Year competition is a chance to recognise the talent and dedication and skill of Bingo Callers, who play an integral part in the whole bingo experience.

"The competition celebrates not just the talents of bingo callers who bring so much joy to our customers but is an opportunity to put on a show, have fun, and bring the bingo community together for one party, we can’t wait to crown the champion on November 17."