A COUPLE from Honeybourne, who 'never win anything' are over the moon after being handed the keys to a brand new car.

Allan McDonald, aged 70, and his wife Elsa, 69, had forgotten that they had even entered the competition for the RNLI and found out the good news after having returned from a holiday in Germany.

Allan is a former prison officer at Long Lartin and purchased the ticket at the prison's social club meaning the McDonald's are now the proud owners of a new Ford Ka.

Elsa said: "My husband had bought the ticket before we went on holiday and to be quite honest, we had completely forgotten about it. But when we got back from holiday I found a couple of letters from the RNLI on the side and I thought that was strange as I hadn't had much to do with them before.

"It was a lovely surprise especially as I have never won anything in my life before and we were considering replacing the old escort we had before anyway so it is a real blessing and I couldn't wait to pick the keys up.

"Unfortunately Allan cannot drive anymore but we have been out in it a number of times now and it is very nice."

The RNLI Spring 2006 Lottery raised £976,000 for the group, which is the highest amount they have ever brought in and can pay for 20 years of training for more than 40 volunteers.

Richard Popper, head of central fundraising and communications for the RNLI said: "Our supporters raised £2.5m through our life boat lottery last year. This huge sum could buy the RNLI 10 Atlantic and 43 D class lifeboats or all-weather kit for 1,500 of our volunteer crew.

"Our group relies on supporters such as Mr McDonald to help raise the £120m we need to operate every year. I congratulate him on his win and hope he enjoys his new Ford Ka."