A regional football journalist has been crowned as the top horse racing tipster in a nationwide contest.

Charlie Croasdale, left, who writes for Chester and North Wales daily The Leader, is the 2017 champion of the Racing Post Flat Naps competition.

The contest has seen regional and national journalists ranked on the quality of their racing tips over the course of the summer’s flat season.

The Leader was one of several local newspapers to answer the Racing Post’s approach for more regional titles to join in their naps table, which includes 56 participants from regional and national titles.

Charlie, The Leader’s Chester FC reporter, said of his victory: “It’s been a bit of a surreal weekend. I was aware I could’ve lost it late in the day on Thursday, so was following the action intently ticking off each rival as the day went on.

“I was in the pub when the last race was on at Chelmsford, where basically the chap in fifth had napped the rank outsider which might still have collared me late on, but thankfully it was tailed off entering the home straight, so there was a bit of celebrating going on.

“I’ve been taken aback by all the kind messages I’ve received from family, friends, colleagues and some really well-respected figures in the racing industry.”

Charlie was presented with a cheque for £4,000 for his victory.

He added: “I still can’t quite believe I’ve managed to win and I’m delighted to have landed first place.”