'Life-altering' prize scooped for just 99p

AN Army veteran scooped a dream property worth £880,000 through an online prize draw that cost him merely 99p to enter.

- By Nicole Goodwin and Jade McElwee

Robert Everson, 48, was stunned when he learnt he had bagged the luxury Suffolk residence through online competition company BOTB.

However, the father-of-two, who dedicated 20 years to military service and works as an HGV driver, declined the brand-new, four-bedroom property in the desirable village of Brettenham to remain in the North East.

Robert, who rents accommodation in Darlington, was at his home when BOTB hosts Christian Williams and Katie Knight turned up with what he believed was his reward - a Land Rover Defender.

Yet the vehicle was merely a ruse. Robert's spouse, Carleane, had covertly participated in the surprise but remained unaware of the actual prize until the moment they revealed he had secured the house.