He may not be legs 11, but....

6:16pm Tuesday 4th September 2007

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He may be short, but he's the biggest man in bingo.

Jason Owen could be Bingo Calling Champion of the South, after making it to the finals of the Southern Bingo Calling Championship.

“I know I will be nervous, but I will try to keep my cool. They say the best things come in small packages.”

Jason Owen

The 4ft 4in Mitcham man, who works for Mecca Bingo in Garratt Lane, impressed judges in the heats with his sense of humour and calling skills.

"He doesn't take himself too seriously," said boss Simon Smiley. "If it involves him making a fool of himself for a joke, he'll do it. And he has a way of diffusing the situation if the customers get upset."

Mr Owen, who has worked at Wandsworth Mecca for a year, has been described as "irresistible" by the ladies who play bingo there.

A coachload of 50 fans, who call themselves Jason's Bingo Bunnies, will travel with him to the finals.

If he wins, he will scoop a trip to Las Vegas and a £500 cash prize.

He said: "It hasn't sunk in yet. I have never been to America so I would say yes to that.

"I know I will be nervous, but I will try to keep my cool. They say the best things come in small packages."