A PORTON man has won nearly £2,500 in a lottery that raises money for charity.

Robert Reid, known as Jim, has become the latest winner of the Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s Superdraw lottery, bagging himself and partner Marianne £2,482.90.

The 76-year-old said it was a “nice surprise” to win, adding: “Marianne and I love travelling, so the winnings will enable us to extend the holiday we had planned to see different parts of Europe.”

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Following his win, Robert and Marianne were invited to tour the Wiltshire Air Ambulance’s airbase in Semington, as well as speak to members of the aircrew and charity team.

Robert said: “We are very lucky in Wiltshire to have such an outstanding service where advanced care is given to people who suffer life-threatening illness or injury.

“I don’t play the air ambulance’s lotteries expecting to win, although it is nice to, but by playing I’m helping to keep the service operational.”

Proceeds raised from entering the lottery (£1 a week) go towards the charity and services the air ambulance provides.

Rebecca de la Bedoyere, grants, lottery and legacies co-ordinator at Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said: “We’re so pleased for Robert and Marianne and hope they have a fantastic time touring Europe with their caravan. We enjoyed showing them around our airbase.

“Last year approximately one in every three missions was funded by our lottery members so it’s a pleasure to show our lucky winners just what a difference their support makes.”

For more information about the lottery and to sign up visit the Wiltshire Air Ambulance lottery website.