A MAN with health problems has received a timely boost, scooping £50,000 on Littlewoods' Spot the Ball.

Gerald Tighe, aged 42, suffers from heart trouble and was diagnosed with diabetes in March. A month later his luck has turned when he hit the jackpot on the famous footballing competition.

The former forklift truck driver has vowed to splash out and take his sister Sheila, who lives next door, on holiday to Florida.

Gerald, whose previous biggest win was a £2 voucher, need not have worried about missing out on his big win. He lives opposite the Littlewoods collections office.

Gerald, who has lived in Leigh all of his life, said: "I'm flabbergasted. It still hasn't sunk in. This win means so much to me.

"When the collector arrived I thought he was a workman from the council who had come to fix my fence. I've not been in the best of health over the last couple of years so this win is a real tonic."

Littlewoods marketing manager Dave Raywood said: "We're delighted that someone so deserving has hit the jackpot".

"He's had a tough time and hopefully this win will make a difference to his life.

"Everyone at Littlewoods wishes him the very best for the future."