A couple from Horwich have their “dream come true” by winning a free holiday worth more than £4,000.

Sharon Garthwaite, 67, was one of almost 6,000 entrants in the competition run by Hays Travel, the UK’s largest independent travel agent.

Sharon and husband Tony‘s prize will take them on a seven-night Rhine and Moselle river cruise with APT Travel this December, exploring the best of Europe’s Christmas markets.

The prize includes return flights, meals, and drinks onboard, as well as sightseeing excursions.

The total valuation of the trip is around £4,300.

Sharon said: “We watch all the cruise programmes on TV and have always said the only cruise we would ever go on is a river cruise. It really is like a dream come true.

“I retired last year, and my husband did two years ago - we are so looking forward to this holiday.”

Horwich Hays Travel branch manager, Emma Unsworth, said: “It was wonderful to meet Sharon and Tony and to see how excited they were about the cruise later this year.

“I can’t wait to hear all about it when they get back.

“Cruises are a great way to see a few different places on one trip, only having to unpack once.

“This Christmas market river cruise is something extra special as it takes in some of the most beautiful cities and magical regions in Europe while they’re at their most festive.”