PAULINE Brigham relies on her wheelchair after undergoing a heart transplant and being diagnosed with two chronic illnesses.

But thanks to her husband, John - who is the winner of our Evening Press win-a-car competition - Mrs Brigham could finally be given the independence she has craved.

Pauline, 66, of Bishopthorpe Road, York, takes 19 tablets a day to treat the effects of a heart transplant nine years ago, as well as asthma and diabetes.

She can walk short distances, but relies upon taxis and lifts from family and friends to go to the shops or the doctors for check-ups.

Her husband, who is 61, entered the token-collect competition we launched to mark our new compact Evening Press - and upon winning the fabulous smart forfour, wasted no time in giving the car to his wife.

"She really deserves it with all she's gone through. She's suffered a lot," said Mr Brigham.

"She has to go to hospital in Newcastle every three months and will need check-ups for the rest of her life. It costs us a fortune in taxis. Just going to the chiropodists costs £11.

"I contacted the editor of the Evening Press, Kevin Booth, and he agreed with me that my wife really deserved it.

"I can't describe how she was when I told her. She was in tears. She was absolutely over the moon.

"Having a car will make a tremendous difference to her."

Mrs Brigham, who said she has read the Evening Press every day for 34 years, said she was looking forward to being able to see her friends and two daughters more often.

"At the moment, we have to rely on them coming to see us," she said.

"I couldn't believe it when John told me he had won the car. I think it's the first thing we've ever won out of all these competitions I enter year in year out, week in week out.

"It will be really useful. It's life-changing."

The Smart forfour boasts five doors, four seats, flexible luggage space and a chic new look as well as being environmentally friendly and economical.

Kevin Booth said he was delighted the car had been won by such a deserving couple.

"We were all touched by Pauline's story," he said.

"We hope the new car gives her the freedom she's so badly missed."

Updated: 09:56 Wednesday, October 13, 2004