A SECRET celebrity is living in Kendal, achieving world-wide fame in a way that will make many people unbelievably jealous.

Jamie Bateson, of Sandylands, earns a living by playing video game FIFA, which is enjoyed by millions across the globe.

What started out as a friendly virtual reality kickabout with his dad in 1997 has spiralled into a full-time job for the 28-year-old, who has 168,456,254 views and 742,472 subscribers on his YouTube channel, Bateson87.

Mr Bateson's career began when he started recording videos of himself playing FIFA and posting them online.

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But before long he had received interest from international investors and was able to quit his job and start working from home.

The Liverpool fan said: "I used to work at Stagecoach in Kendal as a HGV vehicle mechanic but then a network contacted me from America and wanted to partner my channel. When I said I was leaving Stagecoach a lot of people there laughed because they didn't realise how I could be making money but my family were really supportive - even though they didn't know what I was doing! Now, loads of people around the world know what I do, but nobody in Kendal does."

Mr Bateson's videos, which provide game enthusiasts with valuable tips, started by getting 1,000 views per clip, but now he gets 50,000 every day.

He also live streams advice for console lovers and began with just two avid followers - now there are 2,000 regular viewers.

His success, which stems from working 12 hour days, seven days a week to keep his avid fanbase, has secured him close links with FIFA's creators, EA Sports.

He often attends game gatherings in America and Germany, meeting the likes of Brazilian footballer Hulk and Belgium's Axel Witsel.

His exploits have even seen him take part in a friendly football match on the hallowed turf of Wembley Stadium the day after the FA Cup final - although he would have preferred it to be held at Liverpool's Anfield ground.

At game conventions fans often approach Mr Bateson 'shaking' and say they are 'honoured' to meet him, but he is not letting his fame go to his head.

"I'm not an egotistical person," he said. "I like staying in Kendal because I'm not as well known.

"When I first started, YouTube and Fifa wasn't exploding like it is today, but because I was there quite early I could ride the wave and that wave is still going now."