A reveller had the chance of becoming an easy rider after winning a £6,000 Harley Davidson with a £35 nightclub ticket.

But, instead of revving up for some New Year motoring of the 880cc two-wheeled variety Andrew Cerrino,18, of Ennerdale Avenue, Braintree, has decided to stick to his car.

Everyone who went to Club Zeus, Chelmsford, on New Year's Eve had the chance to enter a prize draw.

And shortly after bells across the county rung in the New Year Mr Cerrino's winning ticket was plucked from more than 450 put in the tombola by revellers.

"I just could not believe I had won it," said a delighted Mr Cerrino.

"The club was pretty packed. I was there with three friends and they just could not believe it either."

Mr Cerrino got up on stage, showed the DJ some proof of his identity and the gleaming motorbike was his.

General manager at the club Edward Walters said: "We had already announced Andrew's name twice and were just about to draw another ticket when he came forward looking a little dazed and said 'I'm Andrew'."

The Harley Davidson Custom Sportster 883cc spent the evening suspended from the ceiling and was the top prize in the draw which also saw lucky partygoers winning New Year holidays.

But Mr Cerrino has decided to sell his prize, giving himself an unexpected cash bonanza.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.