HE has literally hit the jackpot – and Southampton grandfather Trevor Thomas could not be happier.

Perseverance has paid off for Trevor who has won a whopping £43,000 in the Daily Echo’s Find the Ball competition.

It was a case of third time lucky for the retired catering worker who has claimed two runner-up prizes during his 15 years of playing the popular competition.

The 68-year-old, who retired three years ago, was overwhelmed when the Daily Echo broke the news he was a jackpot winner.

He said: “I just can’t tell you how wonderful this is; what fantastic news!

“I had a good feeling about this one and I told my wife so. But then again I do tend to say that every week! I just can’t believe it.

“I play the game religiously every week and always hope for the best, but this is just the best news.”

Trevor, of Vaudrey Close, Shirley, said he plans to spend the money on a big holiday for himself and wife of 46 years, Isabella. “We haven’t had a holiday since I retired so we will be able to afford a really good one,” he said.

As champagne corks popped to celebrate his win, Trevor, a father-of-three, said he also plans to spend some of the money on his family including his four grandchildren.

The last jackpot winner was Wendy Williams from North Baddesley who won £38,000 in April last year. Since then thousands of pounds have been handed out every week in runner-up prizes.