Ilkeston veteran's war visit after £12k prize win

A 92-YEAR-OLD war veteran is set to visit his friends' graves in Holland after his daughter won £12,000.

Beverley Beresford, from Hucknall, scooped £12,000 in a contest run by the East Midlands Designer Outlet.

She is using part of her winnings to send her father William Alburey on a trip to Arnhem later this year.

The former paratrooper, who lives in Ilkeston with daughter Glenda, wants to say goodbye to comrades who died in the Second World War.

Many died in the Battle of Arnhem in 1944, when Allied paratroopers landed to capture bridges across the Rhine ahead of the push into Germany. The operation failed and led to heavy casualties. Mr Alburey missed the battle as he was in hospital following an earlier injury.

Mrs Beresford, a canine hairdresser, said the trip was the best present she could get him.

She said: "My father spent six years away in the war, with postings in France, Belgium, Greece and Crete.

"He's always said he'd like to visit their graves and say his goodbyes.

"He was over the moon when he found out – he wants to know when we are going but I haven't decided yet.

"I didn't expect this to happen. I have never won a competition in my life before this."

Mr Alburey will go with his daughters and their husbands to Arnhem later this year when the weather is warmer.

They will visit the nearby Oosterbeek War Cemetery, where 1,680 Commonwealth servicemen who died in the war are buried.

The 92-year-old said: "It will be very good. I am looking forward to paying my respects."

Mrs Beresford entered the competition four weeks before Christmas after sending in receipts from items bought at East Midlands Designer Outlet. Shoppers could win their mortgage paid for a year or a cash prize of £12,000.

Simon Revill, retail manager at East Midlands Designer Outlet, said: "We designed this competition to give shoppers a break in 2009, whether it's relief from paying their mortgage or a boost to their savings.

"The mortgage free promotion proved really popular with lots of customers taking part but we're glad Beverley was chosen as the winner.

"It's great knowing that we've helped to give someone a once in a lifetime opportunity."

East Midlands Designer Outlet is located near South Normanton, just off Junction 28 of the M1.

robert.parsons@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk