A PRESTON man has passed the winning flag for an all-expenses-paid trip to the European Grand Prix in Germany.

Penwortham-born David Wootton scooped the top prize after picking up a flyer in his local Booth's supermarket -- but almost missed out scooping the big prize because he forgot to call the hot-line!

He said: "The leaflet had been on my desk for a few weeks and I rang-in five minutes before the deadline. I was stunned when I heard I had won."

The unique prize is part of a competition run by Blackburn-based brewers Daniel Thwaites in conjunction with German beer company Warsteiner -- sponsors of this year's European Formula One Grand Prix.

David, 60, who now lives in Stafford with wife Denise, was visiting his mum at her home in Penwortham Hall Gardens, Penwortham, when he picked up the prize-winning leaflet.

The former Kirkham Grammar School pupil, who is an IT director for computer giant ICL, popped down to the local Booths and picked up the bargain flyer.

David, who lived in Penwortham for 21 years, couldn't believe his luck when he learned he had won. He said: "I have become interested in motor racing, but I have never been to a live event. I am really looking forward to the trip, especially as I nearly missed out."

The brewery are treating David and his wife Denise to return flights and transfers, three nights' accommodation at a top hotel, two tickets to Germany's famous Nurburgring race track, and evening entertainment.

David said: "I had never even tasted Warsteiner when I rang in for the competition, but I have now and I have got the logo as a screen saver on my PC.":