We had taste of paradise

Early in January I received a letter stating I was one of the 16 finalists in their competition and invited to attend the final on January 20 at the Bear Hotel in Devizes.

As stated, it was a "fun evening" and progress through the three rounds was due entirely to luck.

The final round comprised a board game on which each of the remaining four finalists progressed along their own path of 12 stepping stones finishing in Bermuda.

Each finalist had to answer a question about Bermuda.If the answer was correct a large inflatable dice was thrown and the finalist's supporter moved forward along the path.

After the second round I felt sure a lady from Wootton Bassett would emerge the winner as she only needed a two to land exactly on Bermuda.

After several more rounds the other three finalists were catching her up.

I felt excited when I needed a five as I knew that from then on it was possible to win. Unfortunately I only threw a three, leaving me to get a two also.

It is impossible to put into words my elation when the dice stopped at two and the room erupted with applause.

The prize was a £7,000 holiday in Bermuda with £1,000 spending money, courtesy of Prestige Holidays, arranged through Travelwise World Choice of Devizes and Louis Rutter, its director, said he would provide transport to and from Gatwick.

Everything went according to plan and we arrived in Bermuda on June 10, to a temperature was 82 degrees.

It is impossible to describe the beauty of the island there is colour everywhere, from the pastel shades of the houses to the unbelievable blue of the sea and the masses of flowers.

The hotel has an air of opulence and offers a choice of six restaurants sited around the 100 acres of grounds.

For my wife Jenny and myself it has been the holiday of a lifetime, especially as it coincided with our 41st wedding anniversary.

So, a big thank you to all concerned for giving us this taste of paradise.

ERNIE AUSTIN

Parklands Road, Swindon