THE Wiltshire Times's biggest ever competition reached its nail biting conclusion on Monday.

Ten finalists and their families and friends arrived at Southleigh Furniture in Crockerton, near Warminster, and were greeted by managing director Sean Haines, Wiltshire Times editor Stephen White and Trowbridge town crier Trevor Heeks.

One lucky finalist was close to winning £15,000 for a home makeover.

They all had a chance to look at the superb range of furniture on the night, and many were already making their wish list.

Jenny Propert, from Westbury, said: "I nearly fainted with shock when I heard I had reached the final. There are so many lovely things here and I already have my eye on a new three-piece suite."

Mr Haines said the competition was a wonderful opportunity for all homeowners.

"It's helped raise our profile in the community and we're now generating more turnover than ever," he explained.

"It's nice to give something back to our loyal customer band, as our repeat business is one of the highest."

To decide the winner, 10 envelopes were tucked inside eight drawers and in the cupboard of a wooden tallboy. When a finalist's name was read out they had to cross their fingers and take their pick.

Once everyone had chosen, they had another painstaking wait before tearing the envelope open. Their names were read out again and, one by one, they had to come to the front and nervously pull out a slip of paper, which revealed their prize.

A tense climax was assured, as the last person to come forward was the winner. Sally Burt, of Burnett Road, Trowbridge, claimed the £15,000 makeover, and the runners up received a bottle of champagne.

Mrs Burt, who is a White Arrow delivery driver, celebrated the win with her husband Tony and three of her four children.

She said: "I'm really shocked. My husband kept saying I had won as anyone who went up was a runner-up and the odds were narrowing all the time."

Mrs Burt had already won a holiday to Cornwall through the Wiltshire Times earlier this year and has only just moved into a new home, so is eager to spend the money.

Despite the disappointment the runners-up were pleased that she had won.

Susan Brayford, of Woolley Drive, Bradford on Avon, said: "It's not the end of the world, as the prize has gone to a lovely young family."