A HUGE LEGO fan has been crowned winner of a nationwide design competition.

James Waine has won a once in a lifetime opportunity to be an official designer for the Legoland resort’s new knight and wizard themed Castle Hotel.

The 11-year-old, from Darlington, was declared the winner after topping a public vote with his knight on horseback concept.

He said: “It’s a dream come true because I want to be a theme park designer when I grow up. I can’t wait to see my model made out of LEGO and to stay in the hotel – I really want to sleep in one of the knight themed bedrooms.”

The tournament ready knight on horseback design, decorated with shields, will now be brought to life as a 6ft model by the firm’s model makers and placed in the hotel ahead of its opening in July 2017.