It was raining confetti this week as a Neasden pensioner scooped the top prize at a bingo hall in Cricklewood.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Suvaris Thompson with Beacon Bingo Cricklewood manager Steve Lightfoot upon winning �20,000Suvaris Thompson with Beacon Bingo Cricklewood manager Steve Lightfoot upon winning �20,000 (Image: Colin Bridges)

Suvaris Thompson collected a cheque for £20,000 at Beacon Bingo Cricklewood on Monday after winning a free prize draw he entered earlier this month.

The 66-year-old former barber was given the choice of cash or a brand-new BMW 3 Series.

He said: “I’m over the moon! I swear my heart stopped when I realised I’d won. I had this strange feeling I was going to win. I’ve been coming to the club since the day it opened and always suspected that one day I might have a big win, and today was the day!”

“I already have a car so I chose the money”, he added. “I’m just have a bit of fun. It isn’t every day you win something so huge.”

Steve Lightfoot, general manager of the venue, said: “We are delighted for Suvaris. He is a lovely man, well known and liked by everyone in the club and so deserving of this prize. It’s also great to see a regular customer pick up such a big prize.”