The Isle of Wight’s iconic Needles chairlift is celebrating its 50th birthday and on Tuesday, one lucky family won a weekend away, simply for being in the right chair at the right time. 

The Priadheepan family will enjoy a weekend at a bed and breakfast in Land’s End, Cornwall - the Needles Landmark Attraction's sister park.

Dad, Gopalkrishnan Priadheepan, described the experience as amazing.

He told the IW County Press: "I never expected it."

Isle of Wight County Press: Anneka Rice and also with Josh Widdicombe on the Needles chairlift.Anneka Rice and also with Josh Widdicombe on the Needles chairlift. (Image: County Press.)

The family live in Southend-on-Sea, Essex and were actually holidaying in Southampton.

After visiting Peppa Pig World at Paultons Park, they spontaneously decided to take a day trip to the Isle of Wight.

It coincided with the competition and their prize was presented to them by TV icon, Isle of Wight legend Anneka Rice.

Comics Josh Widdicombe and Nish Kumar were also on hand, filming their Sky show Hold the Front Page. 

There was musical accompaniment from the Isle of Wight Highland Pipes and Drums, fresh from their appearance in the County Press’s top five costumes spotted at Sandown carnival. 

The Treasure Hunt star, who has lived on the Island for a decade, was beaming as she handed over the prize.

She told us: "I’ve been coming here since I was four years old, it’s beautiful."

She praised the Island's community, saying a willingness to get involved is being part of the Island mentality.