A PUB regular is celebrating after scooping a star prize in what could be the world's biggest raffle.

Tommy Yates, 49, has never been further than Spain.

But he will soon be setting sail for distant shores after winning a fortnight's Caribbean cruise for two in a nationwide draw.

A regular at the White Bear, Market Street, Adlington, Tommy, said the win had still not sunk in.

"I actually missed the prize draw when it was broadcast and it was only a few days later that I realised I had a winning ticket," he said. "To say I was gobsmacked would be putting it mildly."

The holiday of a lifetime includes a flight to Barbados and a fourteen-day cruise that visits ten sun-kissed Caribbean islands, including St. Lucia, Antigua and Trinidad. The prize also includes £1,000 spending money.

Martin Watkinson, licensee at The White Bear, is also raising a glass to Tommy, who works as a machine operator at WST Engineering, Railway Road, Adlington.

As the winning raffle ticket was issued at his pub, not only does Martin win a £2,000 prize, but Tommy has invited him on the cruise with him! "We go on January 18 so I get to spend my birthday, the next day, in Barbados," said Martin.

News of Tommy's success has already earned him the nickname Tom Cruise among workmates and regulars at the pub.

The raffle was organised by John Smith's Extra Smooth, and drinkers were given a ticket for every pint they ordered.

Tommy, from Atherton, was among drinkers in 8,000 participating pubs and clubs, with more than 18 million tickets issued.