A MAN from Northwich is celebrating his good fortune after scooping £250,000 in the Reader's Digest prize draw.

The man, who wishes to remain anonymous, said he was absolutely thrilled with his win.

"It's going to provide security for the whole family. It won't change the world but it will make life a little easier," he said.

"My friends say that they usually throw the Reader's Digest envelopes in the bin and I don't usually look at them, I only responded to this one because it advertised a set of novels which looked interesting.

"I didn't believe it when I was told I had won, I thought it was a wind up - but then I got the confirmation letter through the next day."

When asked about the reaction of friends and family he said: "Everyone has been great, they are all thrilled for us."

The win could be seen as the start of a lucky streak but the winner is keeping his feet firmly on the ground: "Someone must have been smiling on me that day. I probably won't respond to the (Reader's Digest) letters every time, I don't think lightning will strike twice, but I may take up some of the offers."