Last week Andy Burch took delivery of his brand new eco-friendly Toyota Prius, a prize from internet giant Yahoo! for recycling unwanted items from his home.

He said: "It's just absolutely awesome, I have been on cloud nine since I was told I had won and now the car is here its amazing.

"I have never won anything before, or known anyone who has, and I still can't believe it."

Six months ago the 45-year-old panel beater signed up to The Freecycle Network, an internet site where you can give away unwanted items that you may have previously thrown away.

Mr Burch explained: "It's great, I have given away an old CD player, a DVD player, books, and even an old BMW which I would have had to pay to be scrapped.

"But by using this website someone else has been able to benefit from things which I would have thrown away."

One such item Mr Burch has been able to give away recently was the old car manual for his R-reg Renault Megane. But the car itself went to a different new owner.

He said: "I have given the car to my daughter and future son-in-law. It was great to be able to do that."

Mr Burch, who has only ever owned second-hand cars, found out about his win five weeks ago after returning home from a weekend away, and could not believe his eyes.

"I must have read that email six times, and was itching to get home and make the phone call on the Monday.

"I called the lady and told her I thought it must have been some sort of joke or mix-up, but she was really nice and said, 'I can assure you, you've won it'."

And now Mr Burch is enjoying happy motoring in his hybrid car which runs on both petrol and electricity.

He added: "This couldn't have come at a better time what with petrol prices rising the way they are."

Kim Rutherford, head of Yahoo! For Good Europe, said: "We are delighted to be able to present Mr Burch with this eco-friendly, hybrid vehicle to recognise and award his great work.

"Inspired by Mr Burch's great example, our hope is that the scheme will encourage more people to do their bit."