Last updated at 08:41, Thursday, 13 September 2012

IT is like Christmas morning in the Evening Mail office, watching 11-year-old Connor tear open the box of his brand new iPad.

PLEASED: Centre, Gemma Carter, pictured with her 11-year-old son Connor Carter, won an iPad in an Evening Mail reverse auction. Runner-up Lynne Turner, left, with her daughter Jasmine Turner-Ogden seven, picked up a £50 prize along with fellow runner-up Jackie Scott , right CANDICE WRIGHT REF: 50038351B001

But never did she imagine she would be able to pick one up after lodging a unique bid of 24p – as new iPad 3 prices start at £399.

Miss Carter is the first winner of the Evening Mail’s reverse auction competition.

The 30-year-old, of Beech Street, Barrow, said: “I was over the moon – really, really pleased.

“Connor’s been wanting one and he started at St Bernard’s last week, so I thought it would be good for his homework, although I think he’s got games in mind. I might use it for a bit of online shopping – if I’m allowed!”

It seems everyone who entered the auction was doing so for unselfish reasons.

Runner-up Lynne Turner had hoped to get an early Christmas present for seven-year-old daughter, Jasmine.

Miss Turner’s £50 prize means she has made a profit, after sending 10 texts in her bid to win.

The 31-year-old, of Monks Brow, Barrow, said: “I was really surprised when I found out I’d won the money – I’ll be putting it towards my phone bill!

“It’s good to get a bit of a return.

“In all seriousness, my friend got married on Saturday so it went behind the bar at the Abbey House.”

Fellow runner-up Jackie Scott, 51, of Lord Street, Dalton, had been trying to win the iPad for husband Peter’s 63rd birthday. Clutching her £50, she said: “At least he can have this instead. I’ll have to give it to him, now I’ve said it in the Evening Mail!”

First published at 12:22, Wednesday, 12 September 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk