A DAY of festive fun and a £1,000 giveaway was enjoyed at The Rock to mark the launch of its free festive transport The Rock Express, on December 2.

The first 15 riders, selected in an on air Tower FM competition, were invited to The Rock, partaking in a host of games, including Christmas Bingo, The Price is Right and Pass the Parcel, before taking their seats on the train.

Once on board they opened envelopes, each containing a voucher prize to spend at The Rock, placed underneath their seats.

The £1,000 top prize was scooped by Daniel Flynn, aged 31, whose partner Nicole Wood and three children Lilly-Mae, aged five, Jacob, aged two, and 11-month-old Cody were watching in the crowd.

There were tears as Daniel opened the prize and cheers from the rest of the finalists.

Mr Flynn said: "I’m speechless, I can’t believe we’ve won."

Ms Wood added: "You’ve made our Christmas – we’re so happy."

The family went on to enjoy a shopping spree at the The Entertainer, Debenhams, Primark, JD and River Island.

The Rock Express free transport service runs between the Peel Monument (by the Parish Church) and St John’s Square (opposite Costa at The Rock), every day from 10am to 4pm - though donations are accepted for The Joshua Wilson Brain Tumour Charity.

Arnold Wilcox-Wood, Centre Director at The Rock, said: "The Rock Express is a hugely popular attraction every Christmas and we wanted to mark its arrival in a special way – we’re thrilled to have been able to give away £1,000 in vouchers to Daniel and his family and we hope this will make their Christmas magical."