JOHN Cunniffe and his son Jack were a winning combination at the Pontin's "Dads and Lads" competition at Pontin's holiday camp last month.

John, 38, and Jack, 8, from Westfield Gardens, Kenton, won through a series of mental and physical challenges, including a "name that tune" trivia quiz and a trial of paper-aeroplane flying, at the holiday resort in Blackpool on August 25. They won medallions and a gift voucher, plus entry to the national final at Brean Sands resort in Somerset in November. With a top prize of £500 at stake and runners-up getting £250 and £100, they are sharpening their skills and looking forward to taking on the other finalists.

Chelsea fan John said: "We've never done anything like this before. We just thought it would be a laugh to get on stage and before we knew it we ended up winning! I'm looking forward to going down to Somerset for the final."

Jack, who wants to be a professional footballer when he grows up, found he had the competitive instincts to succeed. He said: "I was first to throw my paper aeroplane and it was rubbish! Luckily I got a second chance and it went much further. Then the last thing I had to do was hop fifty times on one foot and fifty times on the other, and I didn't fall over once."

For more details about Pontin's holidays and events, visit www.pontins.com.