BRISTOL: Builders' merchants Simpson and Allinson has announced that one of their customers has beaten thousands of entries, to win a national competition held by Lafarge Cement.

The competition, which ran from October to December 2009, was open to anyone who bought Lafarge's Mastercrete Cement from participating stores of the builders' merchant buying group NBG, of which S&A have been members since 2008.

Mastercrete is Lafarge's multi-purpose cement which contains additives to give better workability and enhanced freeze-thaw resistance. It can be used for concretes, screeds, mortars and rendering.

Participants had the chance to win a range of prizes but the main prize, a trip to Disney World in Florida for four people, was won by Martyn Hutchinson of Teesdale Glazing in Barnard Castle.

Mr Hutchinson was unable to attend the presentation as he was stranded abroad, unable to fly home because of the Icelandic volcano dust cloud, but his partner David Bainbridge was on hand to accept it in his place.

Glynis Catterson, director of S&A Builders' Merchants said: "I'm sure this was a welcome surprise for Martyn and has given him something to smile about while he is stuck trying to get home. We are delighted that, despite this being a national competition, it was won by a local company from our Barnard Castle store."

David Bainbridge, accepting the prize on his partners behalf said: "it was great news for Martyn who will probably be in need of another holiday when he eventually returns!"

The prize was presented by Chris Hall, business manager for the North for Lafarge.

Mr Hall commented: "We have been very pleased with the response to this competition which has helped NBG members by bolstering sales of our Mastercrete cement throughout the UK. Mastercrete is a popular choice for both merchants and their customers alike - and with its waterproof, tear-resistant packaging it can be stored outside, reducing risk of wasted product and saving users time and money. "