A FORMER member of a naval minesweeper crew, now a Waltham Forest Council tenant, has won a widescreen colour TV in a competition aimed at encouraging people to pay their rents by direct debit.

The competition was run by Ascham Homes, which manages council housing in the borough.

Edward and Josephine Couzens, of Leytonstone, were entered automatically in the draw after having paid their rent by DD for almost ten years with no arrears.

Their names were randomly selected from 800 tenants who currently pay with was and are first winners in a draw which will be held every six months.

Mr Couzens, 77, said: "We're delighted with the new TV which automatically tunes itself to all the channels and fits perfectly into our unit.

"We've given our old telly to our daughter, so there are two winners."

Ascham Homes wants to boost the number of people paying by DD since it helps ensure that fewer people fall behind with their rents.

The TV was presented by Ascham Homes chief executive Hassett Auguste, who urged people to move to direct debit payments, saying: "It's quick, easy and will help ensure their rent is always up to date."

Tenants are eligible to enter the draw if they pay by DD and make sure they don't go into arrears. Tenants on housing benefit can pay their rent by DD and be entered for the contest.

To find out more about the competition and paying by DD contact Ascham Homes Rent and Accounts Team at 1 Wood Street, Walthamstow, on 8496 4070.