A TWINKLE-toed factory worker from the North-East has been crowned the winner of the Budweiser Dream Goal competition.

Warren Byrne, 33, from Shildon, County Durham, scored the wonder goal in South Shields’ 3-0 victory over Tow Law.

The father-of-one’s stunning strike was seen by millions around the world after it ‘went viral’ and footage was shared over the internet.

He had his screamer analysed on national television by Sky Sports pundits Jamie Carragher, Jamie Redknapp and Ed Chamberlin.

He also takes home an impressive £50,000 grant from Budweiser Club Futures to support his club.

Mr Byrne, who has previously played for Newton Aycliffe, Shildon, Spennymoor Town, Bishop Auckland, West Auckland, Gateshead, Crook Town and Darlington RA, said: “I’m still in shock that the pundits chose my goal, especially given there were so many great contenders shown on Sky Sports over the last few weeks.

“My club, South Shields FC, are completely made up with my win and have already started making big plans for the £50,000 prize.

“Getting a call from Carragher, Redknapp and Chamberlin was also an absolute highlight, and one I won’t forget anytime soon. Thank you Budweiser Dream Goal.”

Byrne had collected the ball from a headed clearance on the edge of the area, flicked it up twice, with the second going over his head, before he found the far corner with a left footed volleyed.

The goal, in Northern League Division 2, showed similarities Dele Alli’s Premier League goal at Selhurst Park in January when Tottenham beat Crystal Palace 3-1, which earned the 20-year-old Match of the Day’s Goal of the Season.

Jon King, manager at South Shields FC, says of Warren’s win: "It’s about time Warren did something for the club. I mean, banging in dream goals is all good and well, but who’s going to pay to fix the showers?

“Just kidding. We’re delighted with the windfall, and we’re grateful to Warren for scoring an absolute belter.

“That goal was certainly worth the prize money. He’s now under enormous pressure to do the same next season."

The winner and five runners-up will also receive an FA training session for their teams.

Jamie Carragher said: “The standard of entries this year has been so high it’s incredible and it certainly made picking the winner that little bit harder.

“We deliberated for a long time, but in the end we all agreed that Warren’s goal had that special something to ultimately win Budweiser Dream Goal 2016.”