A RETIRED Hampshire air traffic controller says he plans to take a Mediterranean cruise after scooping £2,400 in the Daily Echo's Find the Ball competition.

Geoffrey Holloway, 79, of Oakhurst Close, St Mary's Road, Netley Abbey has been playing the competition for the past 25 years.

Now, he says the money will pay for the holiday for a lifetime on board a cruise liner.

Mr Holloway's win comes 15 years after his last lucky break with the competition. Then, he managed to win £400 and spent it on double glazing for his home.

Mr Holloway served with the RAF during the war when he worked as a radio and radar operator. He picked up six campaign medals and saw action in Northern Ireland, North Africa, Italy, France and Germany.

Now, the Netley Abbey widower spends most of his time playing golf, indoor bowls and snooker.

He said: "I have always looked forward to a nice cruise. I can go from Southampton docks. It's not a bad return for a £3 bet is it?"

Don't forget to buy tomorrow's Daily Echo to play the game and stand a chance of hitting the jackpot of £40,000 and the runner-up prize of £2,500.