A FESTIVE windfall will fulfil a lifetime ambition for York club steward and cricket fan Dave Breslin.

As a member of The Groves Working Men's Club Lottery syndicate he has a share of a £76,000 prize with two other members - and he plans to use it to jet off to South Africa for next year's cricket World Cup.

Dave, with club secretary Teresa Scott and member Melvyn Thompson, discovered they had matched five numbers and the bonus ball the day before Christmas Eve.

And it made this year's Christmas one to remember.

"The timing was fantastic, but we've been too busy to really celebrate it," said Teresa.

"I'm sure we're going to organise a party now."

Dave said he had always wanted to travel abroad to watch cricket.

He said: "I'd hoped that I could get to South Africa next year, but I wasn't sure.

"I will definitely be there now."

Melvyn's share of the money is going towards a new house, while Teresa is yet to decide how she will spend her share.

The winning ticket was not checked until Sunday, despite the draw being made the night before.

Syndicate leader Melvyn was so nervous he slept with it under his pillow until he could claim the prize on Monday.

"I wanted to keep it somewhere safe and thought that was the best place for it," he said.

Melvyn and Dave have been running the syndicate for the past four years, although this is their first big win.

Teresa joined it only three months ago - and picked the winning numbers.

"It was excellent timing," she said.

The winning ticket was bought at the Spar shop in Clifton Green.

Updated: 12:31 Saturday, December 29, 2001