A STRENSALL grandmother cannot believe her luck after winning an £11,000 car - one of the biggest competitions the Evening Press has run.

Hazel Horsley, 71, said she was in tears on learning she had been picked from more than 4,000 entries to win a brand new Mazda.

Hazel, who cannot drive, will be handing the car over to her daughter Elizabeth, who takes her out and about with her two grandchildren, Robert and Alice.

Hazel said: "I think it is absolutely fantastic, I could not believe it when they told me. I cannot drive, but my daughter takes me everywhere so I have given the car to her. We go out all over the place and day trips and to the seaside."

Elizabeth said: "I think it is absolutely marvellous. She is so excited about and so pleased.

"We will be able to go out and about in style with the new car - it is lovely."

The Evening Press teamed up with Turnbulls Mazda, of Layerthorpe, York for what was one of our biggest prize competitions. The win was a remarkable coincidence for Hazel, who worked as a domestic cleaner for one of the Turnbull family more than ten years ago.

Managing director Martyn Turnbull said: "We are delighted to be able to hand the car over to Hazel and we will make sure she is well looked after."

Evening Press editor Kevin Booth said: "This is one of the most successful competitions that we have run. We are very grateful for Turnbulls Mazda for their support."

The car, worth more than £11,000, has a 1400cc engine, does nearly 40 miles to the gallon, and comes complete with three years' warranty and 12 months tax.

Updated: 10:37 Friday, May 14, 2004