A raffle ticket proved ‘wheely’ fortunate for a Celtic Crusader’s fan this week after it scooped him a top-of-the-range new car.

Ray Phillips, 65, a lifelong rugby league fan, bought a charity raffle ticket in aid of The Joshua Foundation from the bar at The Brewery Field in Bridgend, earlier this year.

Ray Phillips receives the keys to his new car from The Joshua Foundation’s Pat Cornelius, watched by Rachel Thomas of Nathaniel Cars and Crusaders Operations Manager Gerald McCarthy. (Picture courtesy of Media Wales)

His name was selected from hundreds of tickets and Ray was this week presented with his three door Chevrolet Kalos by representatives from Nathaniel Cars and the Celtic Crusaders who jointly provided the car, and Pat Cornelius of The Joshua Foundation, which received profits from the raffle.

Ray, who works as a toolmaker for RKJ Engineering, lives in Ystrad Rhondda, and is a keen follower of the Celtic Crusaders, and attending as many games as possible at the Brewery Field. He said: "I just couldn’t believe it when they pulled my name out of the hat."

"They’ve called the car the Nathaniel Crusader! I'd like to thank the club, Nathaniel Cars and the Joshua Foundation. I hope we raised a lot for them and I plan to make another donation to the charity."

Pat Cornelius added: "Congratulations to Ray - and thanks to everyone who bought a raffle ticket. The money raised through the raffle will help us provide many families with some fantastic experiences in what is a very difficult time for them."