A COUPLE were thrilled after winning the Echo’s Win a Wedding competition.

Rayleigh’s Claire Higgs and Michael Lorrimore beat off competition from eight other couples across the county with readers choosing them to win the incredible prizes on offer.

The pair are now looking forward to a £6,000 wedding at Richwell Farm, with photography, a wedding cake and a mini moon - a type of honeymoon - all paid for as part of the competition.

Claire, 46, said it was a dream come true for them both.

She said: “I cannot believe it.

“Michael’s mum nominated us for the competition and we have had people from her Methodist church voting for us as well as family and friends.

“My work even got involved.

“I’ll have to buy her a big cake to say thank you.

“It’s great news to know we have won.”

Claire and Michael were in the same class at the Fitzwimarc School, Rayleigh, but the pair were never more than acquaintances and when they left school they went their separate ways.

Each got married, with Claire having one child and Michael three, before fate brought them together again.

Years later they reconnected when they met at a school reunion having both split up from their previous partners.

A date soon followed and Michael popped the question at a restaurant in Kent last year.

Claire said: “It was such a surprise and so beautiful.

“We were struggling to afford a wedding and now thanks to the Echo we can have one.

“We will be having an intimate affair and it will be very special.

“We are thinking about May next year.

“Thank you Echo.”

Claire and Michael secured 540 votes, securing first place.

As well as a venue, the pair have also won a wedding dress, suit for the groom, a DJ and stationary to invite all their guests to their special day.

Echo Head of Content Gary Pearson said: “We are delighted to be able to help make their special day a dream come true for Claire and Michael and wish them a lifetime of happiness.”