BINMAN Andy Paget could hardly control his delight when he turned the key of the brand new Ford Ka in the Gazettes Arriva Ford Win A Car competition final on Friday night, and the door unlocked.

It was a dream come true for the 28 year-old from Devizes, who has until now been driving around in an ageing Rover Metro.

The 15 finalists lined up for the final held at the Arriva Ford showrooms in Cocklebury Road, Chippenham for an evening of high suspense.

The lucky few from across Wiltshire all knew they were in with a good chance of driving away with £7,000 worth of shiny new car, but they had three competition rounds to get through first.

The final was attended by some 100 guests, including finalists and their families, Arriva staff and local businesspeople.

The other 14 finalists were Diane Smith, June Glansville, Lorraine Higgins, Kieron Lillis, Susan Ward, Ian Spyer, Derek Ferris, Thangathurai Kunadeuan, Robert Purnell, Peter Wells, Stuart Graham, David Phillpott, Teresa Prout and Pat Spanswick.

One contestant, Julie Rose, did not turn up.

In round one, finalists' names were drawn out of the hat and they took it turns to pick an envelope from the boot of the Ka.

On the count of three they tore open their envelopes and the eight who were lucky enough to find an Arriva Ford compliments slip inside were through to the second round.

The other seven were presented with a bottle of champagne.

The eight still in the running to win, then randomly picked a second envelope from the boot and waited excitedly for the go-ahead to open their envelopes.

Those who found an Arriva keyring inside were into the final round.

The unlucky four, still took home a car a radio-controlled Ford Focus.

With just four finalists left, Mr Paget, Mr Kunadeuan, Mrs Higgins and Mr Purnell, everyone's nerves were at an all time high.

They each picked a third envelope, all containing a key, but only one of them was going to unlock the Ford Ka. Mr Kunadeuan was first to try his key in the door and you could have cut the atmosphere in the showroom with a knife as everyone listened to see if the door had unlocked.

But it wasn't to be and Mr Kunadeuan, like the other three finalists, took away a runner-up prize of a mountain bike.

Mrs Higgins was up next and the same hush came over the showroom as she tried the key but she had no luck either.

Then Mr Paget, the youngest finalists, took his turn, with Mr Purnell knowing that if Mr Paget's key didn't do the business, the Ka was his.

But before he knew it the guests at Arriva were on their feet cheering and clapping as party poppers went off in every direction and Mr Paget, of Waiblingen Way, jumped up and down hysterically, hugging everyone in sight.

His key had opened the door."This is amazing,'' said Mr Paget, who collects refuse for Kennet District Council. "I knew I was in with a good chance but I really didn't expect it. It's not like you win a car every week.

"Everybody here has been fantastic and I really want to thank Arriva and the Gazette and Herald.

"The Ka is a really nice little car and it's a lot better than my Metro.''

Mr Paget's parents Heather, 51, and Michael, 52, and his friend Steve Bolter were delighted for him.

Mrs Paget, also of Waiblingen Way, said: "I couldn't believe it. He turned round and said to me 'The key fits'.

"He's got a little old car and he has to travel from Devizes to Marlborough every day for work so it's great for him to have something reliable to drive.''

Mr Paget spent a long while perusing the Ford Kas outside the showroom before choosing a navy blue model.

Arriva's Cliff Hogan said he was pleased with the way the evening had gone and wished him well with his new vehicle.

"I think it went brilliantly,'' he said.

"It's great that the Ka went to someone who was obviously so delighted to have won. I think everyone here had a good time tonight.''

Gazette editor Mr Lawrence said: "It has been a great night and I'm delighted that Mr Paget is so delighted. It was quite touching to see how much winning meant to him.

"These competitions are a great way to give something extra to our readers and I'd like to thank our marketing and sales manager Amber Edenbrow for all her hard work in making this such a success.

"We've all missed Big Brother to be here tonight but this has been just as exciting.''