A project manager has been handed an early Christmas boost after winning a £1,000 jackpot from Leyland SDM.

Keith Nichols, from Thurrock, was the lucky winner of Leyland SDM’s Freebie Fridays competition, which was open to tradespeople whenever they spent £75 or more on a Friday during October in any of the business’ 32 decorating and DIY stores across London.

Keith entered the competition in the Farringdon store on Farringdon Road while stocking up on materials for a nearby job.

He said: “I was shocked when I was told I had won. I have never entered a competition like this before in my life. I only did this time because the store assistant talked me into it. Maybe I should enter more often!

“The cash is a huge boost. I’m planning to spend it on my partner and give her a special Christmas.”

Keith, 56, works in fabric maintenance for TAD Contracts, based in Canary Wharf.

“I’m a project manager and we are always working in the area so I am a regular in the Farringdon store,” said Keith.

“It’s so handy for any materials or paint that we need – and it’s open on Saturday and Sunday which is very convenient.

“I’ve always been a fan of Leyland SDM – but even more so now!”

Hundreds of customers also won instant prizes each time they spent over £75 on Fridays during October.

Gifts included Leyland SDM branded merchandise and products, including beanie hats and travel mugs perfect for the cold weather, and paintbrushes for decorating jobs.

Jonathan Jennings, CEO of Leyland SDM, said: “Freebie Fridays has been a huge success. Our loyal customers enjoyed the campaign, which added a bit of extra excitement to the end of their week.

“We wanted to give something back to our hardworking customers who, like everyone, have been affected by the increase in the cost of living.

“Keith is a regular customer in Farringdon store and we’re delighted for him. He can look forward to a special Christmas with some extra spending money.”

Leyland SDM has become one of the most recognisable and trusted decorating and DIY retail brands in central London with stores in some of the capital’s most prominent locations.

The business has a large trade customer base thanks to its friendly, knowledgeable colleagues and its vast stock range, as well as its ability to source almost any products not available in store quicky and efficiently through partnerships with sister companies.

Leyland SDM stocks a comprehensive range of thousands of products across all departments, including paint and decorating essentials, building materials, electrical fittings, tools, plumbing equipment, ironmongery and much more, all under one roof.

Some of the biggest and best-known DIY brands are available at Leyland SDM, including Dulux Trade, Farrow & Ball, Johnstone’s Paint, Makita, DEWALT, Stanley and Purdy.