A NORTH-EAST man braved the acid tongue of quizmaster Anne Robinson to win television's The Weakest Link game show.

Father-of-two George Mills, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, picked up £2,040 after winning the final of the hit BBC programme.

Mr Mills, a supervisor in a glass processing factory, qualified for The Weakest Link by answering ten questions over the phone and taking part in a mini audition.

He then held off the challenge of eight other contestants, despite twice finding himself the weakest link.

Those taking part nominate who they think is the worst performer during each round, to be voted off, until only two people are left in the final.

They must bank money by answering questions and the winner walks away with the final total.

The quiz show has leapt to prominence partly because of the stern rebukes given out by presenter Anne Robinson.

Said Mr Mills: "The researcher warns you that it is her job to be like that, but it doesn't stop you from being really nervous.

"I just thought if I am not the first one off I will have done all right, but I managed to get through to the final and answer four out of the five questions.

"The final one was, 'who is the child of Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones' and the answer was Dylan Michael Douglas."

Mr Mills has spent his winnings on a new bathroom and shower, following a request from his wife, Janice