Boy, 14, is youngest 'Countdown' champ

Schoolboy Conor Travers has become the youngest ever Countdown champion, aged 14.

After winning eight episodes of the puzzle show in a row, he yesterday beat a 33-year-old in the series' Grand Final to take the Richard Whiteley Memorial Trophy.

His run saw him solve a numbers puzzle that had Carol Vorderman beaten and come up with impressive words like 'craniates', 'tzardoms' and 'renegade' – a phenomena host Des Lynam dubbed "The Conor Principle".

Conor, from Luton, confessed to being a bit nervy before the final. "I was worried that I'd play below my best," he explained. "It took me a while to get to sleep the night before, but once I got to sleep I slept fine.

"My friends and family think it's brilliant. They are all a bit shocked, but very proud."

The show's hosts – who have reportedly enjoyed a ratings boost thanks to Conor – praised the boy. Lynam commented: "He's a shy, modest, intelligent boy with a waspish sense of humour, and he has become something of a reluctant star."

"Conor is fabulous," added an impressed Vorderman. "We were all nervous because the standard had been so incredibly high, but Conor's a Countdowner through and through."