Abbie Collings from Bournemouth arrived with her husband John and their miniature dachshund Hugo to be presented with £500 of shopping vouchers to spend in Ringwood, after being drawn as the prize-winner in a competition.

“I saw the competition on Instagram and entered,” said a delighted Abbie, who did not expect to win.

Organised by Pulford Publicity Ltd, the competition involved over 20 Ringwood advertisers in Viewpoint Magazine, all of whom were in with a chance of being chosen by the winner as recipients of the voucher spend.

Managing director of Pulford Publicity, Ben Pulford, who presented the prize said he was thrilled that the competition was so well received adding, “We had nearly 600 entries. The aim was to generate interest in Ringwood and bring retailers together, which has certainly happened, as well as to inject money into the town. We are running similar competitions in other local towns.”

On winning, Abbie said: “I would like to spend £250 at Oasis Musical Instruments – this voucher’s for my lovely husband who is a passionate, albeit amateur, musician. He’s my carer and it’s a lovely way to thank him. I want to treat him because he’s a good fella.”

She and John were married in 1990 and they are such a close couple, they got married again eight years ago in Jamaica.

Abbie also chose to spend £50 at Crow Farm Shop, £50 at Allum & Sidaway Jewellers to treat their daughter, Maddison. £50 at W Patterson Butchers, “to get some lovely meat.” £50 at Avon Valley Framing, “we’ve been meaning to frame a print we were given by Eduardo Paolozzi, for ages.” And £50 at Sassy’s “because I’d love a pretty handbag,” said Abbie who already had her eye on one in particular.

On arriving at Oasis to for the voucher presentations, Abbie, John and Hugo were greeted by Howard, the owner of the shop. He said it was a pleasure to see everyone adding, “We were delighted to have taken part in Viewpoint’s innovative Ringwood promotion and even more delighted that the winner chose to spend part of the prize with us. What a terrific idea to split the winnings between several businesses.”

Whilst in Oasis, more retailers that had been chosen by Abbie arrived to say hello and she spread happiness and cheer among them all, as did Hugo, while bass guitarist John looked around the shop. It wasn’t long before he made his choice and though his original idea was to purchase a special effects pedal for his guitar, John went home with a Hartke Kick Back bass amp. He said, “I’m very happy and very appreciative.”

Patrick from Allum and Sidaway said: “It’s lovely that so many retailers got involved in the Viewpoint promotion and we’re looking forward to seeing new customers supporting our businesses.”

Edy from Sassy’s said: “We are delighted we took part in the competition and we hope Abbie will enjoy the bags.”

Ben from Avon Valley Framers added: “The competition has created great awareness for everyone. It was also great to come out and meet everyone at Oasis.”

The latest £500 competition from Pulford Publicity is published in March Dorset View. The prize has to be spent in Christchurch. Visit www.dorsetview.co.uk to enter. Closing date is 28 March 2022.