CHRISTIAN Newman was the envy of his friends after becoming the first person to get their hands on a Southampton Monopoly game.

Manufacturers of the game sent the schoolboy one of their first editions as an 11th birthday present - on condition he didn't open it until midnight last night.

Christian, of Trotts Lane, Marchwood, was the lucky winner in a competition published in the Daily Echo.

Game makers Winning Moves also sent an early copy to Lord Montagu of Beaulieu after being tipped off that his birthday was yesterday.

Southampton Monopoly promoter Graham Barnes said: "We had a Monopoly top hat load of entries, so thanks to everyone who entered.

"We decided to give his lordship a game as a late birthday present because his estate is represented on the board. We were asked by his estate if we could give him a game."

An early edition also went to Ashli(CORR) Birkitt, of Bursledon, who celebrates her eighth birthday today.