ALEX Lawrence has been a wheeler dealer, a bankrupt and has been landed in jail many times.

She has also been a fearsome opponent and a merciless landlord but it is all a game to her.

Monopoly, the game that can make millionaires, has become an obsession for Alex, who is now bidding to play the board game in the world championships.

Alex, 27, of Pinehurst, beat off competition from around Britain to secure a place in this year's UK Monopoly Championships. If she wins her round on Friday she will be jetting off to Tokyo for the world contest with £5,000 of real money in the bank.

Alex said: "I started playing as a child and now I usually play games on my mobile or on the internet without a real life opponent. I am a real addict a complete anorak.

"I am not competitive in other areas of my life but when it comes to Monopoly I am determined to win.

"I love collecting all the money and houses."

Alex saw the championship on games giant Parker's website and is one of 64 players out of 500 applicants to be picked for the British heat, being held on the battleship HMS Belfast in London. The battleship is one of the playing pieces of the traditional game. Contestants will play a knock-out style contest with 90-minute rounds.

"I couldn't resist the chance of competing. I want to be the best," said Alex. "It will be good to play real people."