WESTMORLAND and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron was last night awarded a trophy for winning Celebrity Mastermind.

Mr Farron took to John Humphrys' black chair on the hit BBC One show to show off his encyclopaedic knowledge of his beloved football team.

His specialist round on Blackburn Rovers Football Club from 1990-2000, coupled with an impressive showing in the general knowledge round, saw the Cumbrian MP crowned champion.

In total, he answered 13 questions on his chosen subject correctly, with a 'not quite as plain sailing' general knowledge round seeing him crowned the winner.

He held off competition from BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Phil Williams, Edinburgh Comedy Award-winning comedian John Robins, and Lydia Bright from reality show The Only Way is Essex to win.

In addition to his trophy, Mr Farron also earned £3,000 for his chosen charity, which was Manna House in Kendal.

Mr Farron said the experience of appearing on Celebrity Mastermind had been far difficult than another BBC appearance he filmed the same day – topical debate programme Question Time.

"It was many times more nerve-racking than that," he said. "It's a different kettle of fish when you're in that big black chair being asked questions that technically don't matter, but it was a lot of fun as well."

The MP added that he often turns down opportunities to appear on television contests, but the chance to raise money for Manna House was one he was not willing to miss.

"At this time of year with how cold it is you become very aware of the amount of people rough sleeping or sofa surfing in South Lakeland and Manna House does brilliant work on the ground helping those people," he said.

"If the BBC is willing to pay £3,000 to help them then so be it. It's worth me being uncomfortable for a few minutes for them to get that money."

If you missed last night's episode of Celebrity Mastermind, you can watch on the BBC Iplayer.