A pub chef was left stunned to find out he had won a brand new Porsche worth £47,000, plus £10,000 in cash.

Sergiu Darii, who lives in Walthamstow, has been unable to cook in the pub he works in due to Covid-19, and said the money and the car has provided him with a massive boost in difficult times.

He was left stunned after BOTB – which has been running car competitions since 1999 – presenter Christian Williams called him to give him the great news.

“I’ve not been able to be working at the moment of course so I was out on a walk with my son,” said the 30-year-old. “It was a nice surprise when I got the call to say I’d won. I couldn’t really believe it.”

Sergiu has always wanted a Porsche, and his dreams have now come true thanks to being the third winner of BOTB’s Midweek competition which started during May.

“I love how the Macan looks, and I also love black cars, so that is the colour I want to have it in,” he said. “I can’t wait to be able to go for a drive. I have never been a lucky person, but now I think I can say that I am.”

Christian surprises winners every week, although during coronavirus he has been contacting shocked winners over video chat, rather than visiting them on their doorsteps.

“Being able to surprise Sergiu and fulfilling his dream of owning a Porsche is wonderful,” said Christian.

“I hope he enjoys driving about in his superb new car.”

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