A BOARDGAME fanatic has landed his dream job as chief games master at a Bolton escape room.

Mike Park, aged 31, from Warrington might look familiar because he has appeared on TV shows like The Chase, Britain's Best Brain and 15-1.

Before being headhunted to create the 36 different puzzle rooms for Crackit Challenge Mr Park had spent his life working in call centres.

Mr Park said: “I never in my wildest dreams thought it was possible to get a job designing games and being a games master but here I am.

"Forget air, earth, fire or water – puzzles are my element.

“I love the whole ethos of the game shows where the games master really injects a bit of personality into what’s going on, guiding the players through with a bit of gentle teasing while they are working against the clock.”

Mr Park believes the puzzles and games he has created for Bolton’s Crackit in Highmead House, Halliwell Road, will test the skills and ingenuity of even the most hardy game goers.

Mr Park got the job after Crackit Challenge's owners spotted him on ITV's The Chase where he spoke about designing puzzles at home in his spare time.

Mr Park had plenty of inspiration for his puzzles and is an avid gamer, he has a collection of around 600 boardgames at home and in storage.

The puzzles are spread across three areas — Boot Camp, Pirate Cove and the Haunted Mansion with names including Dressed to Kill, Polybius and The Blind Captain.

Each puzzle requires at least two players, with a team of up to six players getting an hour to complete as many puzzles as they can in one of the three areas. Larger teams can book out more than one area during their visit.

There is 20 per cent off bookings led by chief gamesmaster Mike Park until Friday, July 13. Quote discount code PUZZLECHEETAH.

At the official opening on Friday, July 13 there will be a monster preview event which runs from 4pm-8pm featuring spooky treats.