A 39-year-old single mother who says she has never won anything in her life is celebrating a very special Christmas present - a new £250,000 home.

Roseanne Cosgrove, who has two sons, Steven, aged five, and 11-month-old Thomas, has received the surprise gift from an unexpected source - British Gas.

In June this year, the company launched its most ambitious promotion, offering customers the opportunity to win a £250,000 house or £1 million worth of runner up prizes.

Ms Cosgrove, who currently lives in a two bedroom, terraced house in central Dover, took part in the promotion when she signed up as a British Gas electricity customer, never imagining that she had a chance of winning the first prize.

When British Gas phoned up to say that the she had beaten a massive 1,444,770 other customers to win the dream home for herself and her children, Ms Cosgrove couldn't believe her luck.

Dave Williams, marketing manager for British Gas, said: "It is wonderful for a prize such as this to go to someone who really needs it."

FULL STORY IN DECEMBER 24 EDITION OF THE DOVER MERCURY