A CWMBRAN couple are looking forward to planning the wedding of their dreams after winning an Argus-backed competition to win a £999 wedding package.

Heidi Roch, 31, and Richard Williams, 39, of Greenmeadow, said they were “shocked and delighted” to win the prize donated by Newport’s Holiday Inn, The Coldra, at a prize draw on Sunday.

Around 25 people entered the competition, which was shortlisted to three couples for a prize draw at a Holiday Inn wedding fair organised by CJ Weddings.

The winning couple have been together for 13 years and previous attempts to save for their wedding have been put off due to urgent home improvements, including needing a new washing machine, bathroom and kitchen.

But now, thanks to winning the prize, the couple have been able to bring their wedding forward by two years and are looking forward to planning their special day for September 2010.

Miss Roch, who works as a nursing assistant, said: “I was so shocked, I have never won anything before. I am over the moon.”

The pair, who were introduced by friends, have already started writing their guest list and are close to deciding on a colour scheme.

Miss Roch said her friends were so excited at the news that they started planning her hen weekend straight away. She added she was looking forward to shopping for a dress.

She said: “It’s absolutely fantastic, we can’t wait.”

The wedding package includes a civil ceremony, wedding breakfast for 30 guests, evening buffet for 80 people and a stay in the bridal suite on their wedding night.