A RETIRED Hampshire mechanic is celebrating after winning the runners-up prize in our Find the Ball competition.

Ivor Phelps, from Romsey, has been playing the competition for more than 20 years and has scooped £2,500 for coming closest to marking the football.

"It is a very nice surprise," he said. "Over the years I've won £15 here and there but this is excellent."

Ivor, 84, who has two children and eight grandchildren said he will be spoiling his family with his win and may even take a cruise.

"I've seen a lot of frosty mornings," he said.

"It'll be nice to see some more sun."

"My family will be very happy for me and I'll be buying a present for my daughter who helps look after me," he added.

The jackpot prize for this weekend's Find the Ball competition now stands at £42,000, and the runner up prize is £2,600.

See tomorrow's Southern Daily Echo.