Scrabble has been a favourite hobby of Susan Paton since she was a six-year-old girl.

Susan Paton

But at 42, Mrs Paton has just become the Oxfordshire Women's Institute Scrabble singles champion after winning a tournament at the organisation's headquarters in Tackley.

Mrs Paton's victory was all the sweeter because she came second when the last singles competition was staged four years ago.

"I think I'm a word person. I'm not so good on the numbers though," said Mrs Paton, who was competing on behalf of Bicester WI.

Mrs Paton, of Kingsclere Road, Bicester, plays regularly at Bicester Scrabble Club, which meets at the Methodist Church Hall, in Victoria Road.

Mrs Paton also picked up advanced tips on how to play the game by attending a course at the WI's national adult education centre - Denman College, at Marcham, near Abingdon.

She will receive a shield and certificate at the Oxfordshire Federation of WIs' annual meeting, on March 23 at Oxford Town Hall.