SIXTY pinball enthusiasts from around the world are preparing to battle it out in a national competition in Monmouthshire this weekend after reading a story on the Argus website.

David Rolfe, 49, will host the third Welsh Classic Pinball Open at his home in Ochran Mill, Llanover, on Sunday.

The event has attracted players from as far as Switzerland and New Zealand and across the UK including London, Scotland, Northern Ireland, France and across South Wales after reading the story we reported in July on the Argus website.

The enthusiast and full-time foster carer has played on pinball machines since his schooldays and has collected 27 machines over the past decade.

Mr Rolfe has competed in pinball tournaments in France and Ireland, and his dedication to the game has seen him ranked at number 40 in the UK’s list of top pinball wizards.

His collection of machines dates from the early 70s and includes games based on The Simpsons, Flash Gordon and the rock group Kiss, and now four of Mr Rolfe’s children Harry, 14 and Abbie 11, Jack, 18 and Lilly, 21 will be taking part in the competition.

The father-of-eight, said there is a thriving pinball scene in the UK and is thrilled this year’s event has attracted record numbers after appearing in the Argus.

"In the first two years we had up to 32 players and this year we have had 60 entries which is a fantastic response," said Mr Rolfe.

"We expect to have between 70 and 80 entrants on the day, " he added.

The competition will be played in three rounds, with a sudden-death play-off in the third round where the winner will be crowned.

Entrants don’t have to have played before and will be given a world ranking at the end of the competition.

Practice sessions take place on Saturday.

For details go to www.welshclassic.co.uk

EDITORIAL COMMENT: We're happy to help

NEVER under estimate the power of the internet.

Just a few weeks ago we told how David Rolfe ran a national pinball competition from his home in Monmouthshire.

After the story appeared on our website, Mr Rolfe was contacted by other enthusiasts in Switzerland and New Zealand and his national contest has turned into an international affair.

We’re delighted we’ve played a part in bringing them together.

It’s pretty certain these pinball wizards are set for a magical time.