FORMER teacher Derek Heyes went to the top of the class when he became the latest winner of the Brain of Bolton competition.

And the 65-year-old’s achievement is even more remarkable considering he has been blind since the age of six.

The competition, held at Astley Bridge Conservative Club, sees top scorers from the Bolton Premier Quiz League’s regular season pit their wits against each other answering 100 tough general knowledge questions on subjects ranging from Verdi operas to Hindu gods.

The leading four quizzers then go head to head with a further 16 questions on the buzzer.

Derek, who plays for The Crown in Horwich, was top scorer in the general knowledge round and in the final four saw off the challenge of three other experts including Jenny Ryan, one of the stars of television quiz show The Chase.

Derek, who uses an old fashioned typewriter to answer questions, is no stranger to quiz success. The former Rivington and Blackrod sixth form teacher won the Brain of Bolton title in 2012 and has appeared on The chase and Mastermind, as well as hosting his own sports quiz on local radio.

After the event, Bolton premier quiz league chairman Pete Greenwood said: “I am delighted for Derek. It is an amazing achievement and once again the standard of quizzing was incredibly high.”

Derek scored 28 points in the final round ahead of Jeff Taylor of Dunscar Conservative Club and Sam Roberts of the Albert in Horwich, who both scored 21, and Chaser Jenny, who also plays for the Albert, who scored 16.

If you would like to enter a team for the Bolton premier quiz league contact Mr Greenwood on 01204 525472.