TEXTILE worker John Griffin has swapped rags for riches, starting a new job and winning £50,000 within days.

Twice redundant John, 44, of Cheviot Close, Ramsbottom, heard on Wednesday that he had won a half share in the Littlewoods Spot The Ball competition and yesterday started his new job at Edward Turnbull's in Stubbins.

John said he could not believe how his luck had taken a U-turn in just a few days after the misery of twice being made redundant within a year.

He won the £50,000 with a stake of just £1.40.

The shift worker spent 26 years with local firm Morada Ltd, in Ramsbottom before it closed. Almost straight away he got work with Elton Cop in Walsden only to be made redundant again just two weeks before Christmas.

"It's absolutely fantastic, I feel like the luckiest chap alive. You just don't ever think it could happen to you," said John.

To make ends meet John has been doing two jobs closely linked to his change in fortunes, working as a collector for Littlewoods and also as a steward at Bury Football Club.

John now plans to spend some of his winnings on his lifetime hobby, collecting and restoring old Japanese motorbikes.

His dream, is to one day own a Suzuki RE5 rotary superbike.

For his wife, Denise, a care assistant with a centre for children with learning difficulties at Colne, John has promised a brand new car to replace the family's ageing Fiesta.

The couple also plan to treat their teenage children, Kirsty, 16, and Jamie, 18.

A Luxury trip to Florida is also on the cards as part of the prize includes £1,500 worth of travel vouchers.

John plans to continue his collector round with Littlewoods.