Tensions ran high and nerves were in tatters as the finalists in the Evening Gazette competition to win a car took part in their closing challenge.
Winner - Rubina Kauchali with her sons in the new Panda. Picture: TERRY WEEDEN
From the thousands of people hoping to drive away a new Fiat Panda, three had been picked at random.
They gathered at D Salmon Cars in Colchester to see who would win the European Car of the Year.
Having got so far, the last stage was a nerve-wracking experience for Val Balker, Tim Podd and Rubina Kauchali.
As if the prospect of winning themselves a Panda 1.2l Panda Dynamic wasn't enough to make them jittery, the trio's attempts were broadcast live on Dream 100 FM.
Each contestant completed the final challenge by taking one of nine keys and trying it in the lock of the car.
After each finalist had tried and failed to open the lock in the first round, Mrs Kauchali, or Rudkin Drive, Colchester, got her three-year-old son Rayyan to pick a key and he selected the winning key.
Published Thursday April 8, 2004
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