A MAN who was picked at random to win a new car was in such a state of disbelief...he hung up the phone!

They were drawn to win the top prize after buying a Thurrock Community Chest ticket.

Mayor Steve Liddiard picked the couple as the winner at the Orsett Show.

When Dean, a volunteer at Thurrock MIND, received the call from the Mayor telling him of his win his initial reaction was one of disbelief and he promptly hung up.

When the Mayor phoned back a few moments later Dean’s wife Kelly answered the phone and after a short conversation the reality of the moment sunk in.

Dean Fackerell and his wife Kelly were given the keys to their swanky new Vauxhall Adam at the Tony LeVoi dealership in Lakeside.

Dean, who bought his ticket from Thurrock MIND, said: "MIND have helped me through some difficult times and I am now able to enjoy life with my family and friends. 

"Winning this car is an added bonus and I am very thankful for how things have turned out." 

Thurrock MIND only started selling TCC tickets in June and chairman David Nobel said he was pleased that the organisation had sold the winning ticket and that one of their ex-clients who now volunteers had won.

Simon Railton, from Tony Levoi, said: "The reaction from the winners when they arrive at our Lakeside Showroom to pick up the car is always heart-warming, as this is when the reality of their win hits home.

"We are proud to be associated with Thurrock Community Chest and the good work they do in supporting the smaller Thurrock-based community groups and St Luke’s Hospice, and for this reason we are donating a Vauxhall Adam for the TCC 2015 Grand Draw."