A SPECIAL dad has won the Dorset Echo's Father's Day photo competition.

Malcolm West, 55, of Weymouth, was nominated for the honour by his daughter Christabelle, 12.

She told us: "My dad is kind, funny, plays with me, helps me improve at cricket and best of all, he loves me very much."

Keen gardener Malcolm has won a £50 Love2Shop voucher which he says he may spend on plants for his beloved garden.

He said: "I was quite surprised to hear that I had won. I was only aware I'd been nominated after Chris showed me the picture in the paper of us!"

The devoted father has many interests in common with his daughter.

"We both enjoy visiting theme parks," he said.

"When Chris was young we would go to Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park and now she's older she's into all the big exciting rides like Nemesis at Alton Towers and rides at Thorpe Park!"

Another hobby the two have in common is playing cricket.

Malcolm said: "I've been playing cricket for about 40 years and I used to take Chris along sometimes to watch. I didn't push her into playing as I didn't think she'd be interested.

"One day she said to me 'can we have a walk down The Marsh and play a bit of cricket?'

"I nearly fell off my chair! Since then she's got into it and has been training with Weymouth Cricket Club and playing for Weymouth under 11s. She's a good bowler!"

Father's Day was a special occasion for Malcolm and he said he was spoiled by Christabelle and 'given a whole collection of things'.

And as for fatherhood, Malcom says it's a role that makes him extremely happy.

"I occasionally have to put her in her place," he says.

"But being a dad is really good."