A TEACHER is the lucky winner of our Sevenoaks Loyalty Card draw.

Laura Hardwick scooped £1,000 in vouchers after dance duo Twist and Pulse picked her name out the tombola for the special January Superdraw.

Along with the vouchers, which can be spent in any of the 119 participating retailers, she also received prize vouchers to use at Botanical florists in High Street, Seal and a free haircut at Rehab in London Road, Sevenoaks.

Ms Hardwick, who teaches French part-time at Sevenoaks School, was "absolutely thrilled" with her haul.

The mother-of-two said: "I can't believe it. I've never won anything except an Easter egg when I was little. I was so shocked to hear it was £1,000. This is so fantastic and I really appreciate it.

"It'll definitely come in handy, especially now it's just after Christmas and everybody's on a budget."

The 38-year-old filled in the six stamps on her winning card with purchases from London Road's Smiths, as well as Williamsons Butchers.

But the High Street resident said she is determined to spend her vouchers wisely, noting: "I don't want to get too carried away. It's a fantastic sum of money so I want to be careful about buying practical things.

"I'd already set aside a duvet at The Linen House in the High Street, which is one of my favourite shops. It's a real treasure trove and we're lucky to have independent stores like this.

"Another favourite is The Cheese Harp. It's just opposite my house and it's so tempting, especially as my husband and I do a lot of Italian cooking. It's great to have shops like that around.

"I definitely won't fritter this money away, although I'll certainly have a poke around Valentina's deli and some clothes shops, and pick up a few treats for me and my family with the vouchers."

Mark Tuvey of the District Chamber of Commerce, which co-runs the loyalty card scheme, said he was "really pleased" for Ms Hardwick.

Meanwhile Chronicle editor Roger Kasper, who picked up the Campaign of the Year award at the Kent Media Awards last month, said: "I'm proud to give back to our readers and retailers with our loyalty card.

"I hope Ms Hardwick enjoys spending her vouchers."

For a full list of participating stores, visit www.sevenoaksloyaltycard.co.uk