Captain proves he's no has-bean at eccentric awards

IT'S official: madcap charity fund-raiser and no-hoper politician, Captain Beany, has been crowned British Eccentric of the Year 2009.

At a glittering April Fool's Day ceremony in London's Mayfair, the Port Talbot caped crusader beat the English at their own game on their home turf.

The sight for sore eyes beat off three English eccentrics to take the title "Greatest British Eccentric 2009", awarded by the members of the Eccentric Club of Great Britain in the Arts Club in Dover Street, Mayfair.

Nominees for the contest were suggested by the members of the Eccentric Club Committee. Apart from some well-known eccentrics like Captain Beany, the nomination list also included Vivienne Westwood, Lord Bath and Sebastian Horsley, who have fascinated the public with their views or conduct, considered by many exceptionally original or even somewhat eccentric.

Captain Beany said:

"I am completely overcome to receive this award. The fact that the English Eccentric of the Year is a Welshman makes me laugh out loud but I beat them fair and square on their home turf. Yoo-hoo!"