An Alice Springs man is planning to ‘take things easy’ after today discovering he won one of the top prizes of $1,000 a week for a year on an Instant Scratch-Its ticket.

Speaking with us this afternoon to claim his prize, the elated man admitted he was in a state of shock when he discovered his win.

“I play every week. I buy a few tickets but I’ve never won anything much before,” he shared.

“So when I scratched this one, I was shocked!

“I thought ‘hang on, what’s this? Three Live the Life symbols? I think I might have a good one!’.

“My heart was racing like crazy. I had to go straight into the newsagency to double check so I could settle down a little.

“I’m having a good start to the year. I have a feeling more good things are coming for me this year!”

When asked how he planned to spend his prize, the Northern Territory man said it would give him the opportunity to travel and relax.

“I want to take things easy, relax and enjoy life,” he explained.

“It’s good not worrying about money.

“I am going to live comfortably for a little while. Live it up!

“I will do a road trip up north and visit some family.

“I haven’t travelled much recently, so this will give me the opportunity to.

“Then I will go out for a nice dinner with some of my close friends to celebrate.”

The winning $2 Live the Life Instant Scratch-Its ticket was purchased at The Paper Shoppe, Shop 13, Yeperenye Shopping Centre, 36-38 Hartley Street, Alice Springs.

The Paper Shoppe owner Dianne Beames said she was thrilled for her winner.

“We are completely rapt, not only for us but for him,” she said.

“He’s an incredibly deserving winner, so I really hope he enjoys his win.

“It’s so exciting to have sold a big winner! We have sold a few division one winning tickets and some top prizes in the past.

“We definitely consider our store lucky. We believe good things come in threes so we are hoping we sell another big winning ticket soon!”