A MAN celebrated his birthday by winning a top of the range car on a television lottery show.

Joseph Walton was enjoying his 43rd birthday on March 14 when he discovered he had won the prize on the BingoLotto programme, hosted by Joe Pasquale.

He and his wife Mary were at home in Stanhope with a bottle of wine when his gamecard numbers were read out.

They were invited down to the live studio show on Friday, March 21, and met Mr Pasquale and co-presenter Suzanne Shaw.

Mrs Walton said: "Meeting Joe was amazing. He was such a lovely man, completely down to earth and friendly.

"We're big fans of his. Winning was incredible, we're still in shock and can't believe our luck."

The couple have decided to sell the car, worth about £18,000, to raise money for a holiday and home improvements.