A POKER player from Worcester scooped a dream trip and the chance to win £250,000.

Paul Lacey, aged 23, has been a regular player in a poker league hosted by the Glovers Needle on Windermere Drive, Warndon, since the poker night was set up earlier this year.

After months of friendly competition, Mr Lacey was named one of the top four players in the pub’s league, scoring a place in the next stage of the competition — hosted by Redtooth Poker — and an all-expenses paid trip to Las Vegas.

Mr Lacey will now compete against 100 other players in Vegas for a chance at £250,000 between May 27 and June 2 next year.

He said: "I was speechless when I won, I did not know what to say. Now I am just really excited and cannot wait to go to Las Vegas. It is an absolutely amazing prize and an amazing opportunity.”

Rebecca Whiley, manager of the Glovers Needle, said: “We cannot believe that our local poker league has led to this life-changing moment for Paul. Everyone at the pub is really excited for him and wish him all the best next year.”

The Glovers Needle poker league takes place every Thursday night from 8pm.

For more information call 01905 757643.