CHRISTMAS got off to a cracking start for one Hereford woman when she won a brand new car.

Gail Stephens' name was first out of the hat in the AutoCare Big Winter Giveaway competition.

She was one of more than 22,000 drivers to enter the contest and was both shocked – and surprised – to hear she had won the Peugeot 2008.

The woman from Hampton Dene has been a customer at Foley Auto Services in Hereford for more than 30 years – and was happy to enter the free competition open to all of their customers.

Foley Auto Services is one of 737 garages signed up to the national AutoCare network.

Mrs Stephens received the car last week when Foley Autos partners Carl Thursfield and Dave Williams were on hand to pass over the keys.

The competition winner said she was, as yet, unsure of what to do with her new car as she was very fond of her existing Mini Cooper.

"But it's a great gift to receive," she added. "A lovely early Christmas present."