A SCHOOL caretaker is preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime Norwegian Fjords cruise after winning an Argus competition.

Paul Gumbrill, 63, and his wife Sue, 62, will board the Astoria next year to take in some of Europe’s most stunning scenery as part of the nine- day trip.

Mr Gumbrill, who lives in Old Parish Lane, Woodingdean, is the caretaker at Woodingdean Primary School.

He collected the four tokens which were in The Argus last month and was picked out the hat for the prize.

He said: “I’ve never won anything before, I’m still in shock.

“I will be taking my wife, Sue. It’s our wedding anniversary two days after we set off, so this will be a perfect celebration.

“My birthday is also when we are away, so it falls at the ideal time.

“I told a few of my colleagues at the school and they all said I was very lucky. I suppose I am.”

His wife Sue is a volunteer at The Martlets charity shop in Woodingdean.

The cruise is aboard the former trans-Atlantic liner the Astoria which is run by Cruise and Maritime Voyages.

The cruise leaves Portsmouth on September 16 next year and arrives at the Dutch port city of Ijmuiden the following day.

The next day is spent at sea, heading north towards Norway and the Fjords.

First the Astoria travels down Hardangerfjord before Eidfjord and Sognefjord.

There are stops on the way to enjoy walking, cycling or just to sit back, relax and take advantage of Norwegian hospitality.

The following day the cruise visits picturesque Flåm, which sits at the end of famous Aurlandsfjord.

Then it is on to Geirangerfjord before one of the highlights of the trip – Bergen.

The historic city is one of Europe’s prettiest and is said to have been the influence behind Disney hit Frozen.

After another day at sea the cruise then stops at Rotterdam before heading down the River Nieuwe Mass and then back to Portsmouth.

Arron Hendy, editor of The Argus, said: “It is my absolute pleasure to announce Paul as our winner.

“We’ll have lots more competitions like this one in the coming months.”