CREDITON United Football Club is pleased to announce that the lucky winner of the Grand Christmas Draw first prize of £500 was the Courier's very own Sue Read.

Sue bought the winning ticket on the morning of the draw.

She was gently persuaded to buy a ticket by former supporter and active club supporter, Billy Hole. The club said that Bill did a "fantastic job" in helping with ticket sales and was the draw's top seller this year.

In an act of extraordinary generosity, Sue kindly donated almost all of her winnings.

She presented Crediton Football Club with £250, Holy Cross Crediton Campaign Roof Appeal with £100 and a further £100 to Spreyton Church, which needs to raise £30,000 for the church to be re-wired.

Steve Grinney, on behalf of Crediton United AFC, said: "On behalf of the club we would like to say a very big 'thank you' to Sue for her generous donation.

"Hopefully many will feel the benefit of Sue's fantastic gestures."

Mr Grinney also went on to thank everyone who supported the draw, including all those who sold tickets, bought tickets or donated prizes.

"A significant number of ticket sellers put in a great deal of time and effort to ensure that the draw was a success and those efforts are much appreciated," he said.

Sue said: "I thought Steve was joking when he rang to say I had won. I have never really won a big prize like this before so it was a great surprise.

"I was pleased to give donations to the club and two other deserving causes."

Alan Quick