Devoted reader hits the jackpot; WINNER: Mark's luck changes as he scoops pounds 1,000 holiday bonus.

Byline: By Patrice John

DEDICATED Birmingham Mail reader Mark Harris had his devotion to the paper rewarded when he won pounds 1,000 in our fabulous Grab A Grand competition.

Mark, from Sheldon, has bought the Mail for more than 20 years - but has never won a thing until now.

But now his his luck has changed, and he is delighted.

The van sales driver, of Newark Drive, said: "I am feeling so great about it.

"I really did not expect to win. I have entered the competition every day this week, but this is brilliant.

"This is the first time that I have won anything in the paper and I have been reading it for 20 years.

"I entered the competition last year and have entered other things in the Mail but this is the first time I've won big."

Mark's wife of 19 years, Karen, was also shocked at the windfall and did not believe her husband when he told her of his luck.

Now the couple plan to use the cash to pay off a holiday to Spain in August. They have already parted with the cash, but will now have extra spending money for the trip.

The holiday, in August, will also mark their 20th wedding anniversary which their ten-year-old daughter Sophia will celebrate with them.

"We had already booked the holiday when I found out I'd won," Blues fan Mark said. "We did not expect this at all, and we plan to celebrate in style."

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HAPPY SURPRISE... Mark Harris with daughter Cheryl (left) and Sophia. Picture: Jamie Cooper