A NEWPORT pensioner received the perfect birthday present this week after winning a new car in a charity raffle.

Charity worker Josie Spencer, who turned 81 yesterday, won a Peugeot 106 Zen after her winning ticket was pulled out of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association annual car prize draw.

Mrs Spencer works for the Women's Royal Voluntary Service in Newport and helps out with meals on wheels.

She has supported the SSAFA since working in the army in 1941.

She said: "I've never won anything in my life - so when I found out I'd won a new car it was a bit of a shock.

"At first I didn't believe the person from SSAFA who rang me up to say what I had won.

"I kept asking whether they were pulling my leg.

"I think SSAFA is a brilliant charity, the work it does with people in the forces and those that have left, and their families, is marvellous."

Helen Walker, director of appeals as SSAFA Forces Help, said: "We'd like to thank everyone that bought a ticket last year.

"We'll be using the money this year to help service and ex-service personnel."