Alex Best says instant wealth won on the EuroMillions lottery has not changed him. He tells Gavin Engelbrecht of an “interesting year” since scooping £1m.

WHEN Alex Best scooped £1m on the Euromillions one of the first things he considered buying was an Aston Martin, despite not having a driving licence. A year on he has passed his test, but has opted for a used Ford Focus for getting around instead.

The 22-year-old music lover from Shildon, says untold and unexpected wealth has not changed him. He still hangs around with the same friends, who insist on buying their rounds at the pub and lives with his mum when not visiting his girlfriend in Leeds. And aside from investing in two homes in his town, he has “most of it” still left.

He does admit to a liking of wearing shorts and T-shirt in all seasons and buying a few more than he may need.

“It has been an interesting year,” Alex says with understatement. “I’ve done things I wouldn’t have thought I would have done before.”

He had just graduated from Bolton University after taking a degree in live event production, when he learned he had become an instant millionaire.

After paying off his student debts, he set his sights on working with touring rock bands, having already been hired at concerts for the likes of Elton John, Primal Scream, Bruce Springsteen and Madonna. But he has decided to take it easy and enjoy concerts “as a customer” for now.

He says: “I have had a nice year off instead of working. Winning has given me the freedom to do what I enjoy doing.

“I have worked constantly from the the age of 12, so it would just be nice to have a break.

Darlington and Stockton Times:

“I am looking for a job now. Hopefully I’ll be doing something to do with my degree and experience. But if that fails I can always just start my own business, working at concerts and live events – as a stage hand or sound engineer.”

He adds: “When you first get the money you think ‘I can buy anything I want now’. People I’ve spoken to said they would have blown it in two weeks, don’t see how anyone could spend money that quickly.

“I have bought stuff I wouldn’t normally buy, like fancy dress suits. I like T-shirts and shorts and probably have more than what I need. I keep seeing some I like.

“I drive a second-hand Ford Focus. I mean for a first car, I’m still only 22 years old, and I didn’t want to write off an Aston Martin.

Darlington and Stockton Times:

“I have bought two houses that I rent out to long-term tenants in Shildon. It gives me a steady income while I’m still looking for work.”

Alex has used his spare time to go to music festivals in the summer, in Glasgow and Derbyshire, as well as many concerts in Leeds and Newcastle. He also goes to the cinema often and and eats out a lot with his girlfriend Liana Inkman, who was on the same course as him at university.

ALEX almost collapsed when he found out he had become a millionaire in the draw on January 9. He said: “I just didn’t believe it. I was waiting for my mum to get home so she could double-check the tickets.

"It still took a lot of time to sink in. Initially I thought I can do anything in the world I want to now. I have got the freedom, I can just go wherever I want.

“But then I asked myself, do I want to move out? I thought no, I would be living by myself . . . I would miss the conversation. I still live with my mum and step-dad. I spend half my time here and half in Leeds with my girlfriend.

“For the first couple of weeks (after the win) my mum was main person I was speaking to. She was always there with advice.

“I have taken her on holiday and bought her a few bits, but she wouldn’t take much off me. Some of my friends, even on a night out, won’t let me buy all the pints and insist on paying for their rounds. They have stayed genuine.”

Alex says he is still recognised in the street by strangers.

He says: “It still happens. Even though it is a year ago. It’s weird people talking to me like they’ve always known me. Which is alright for some people because I have known them for most of my life. But when it’s strangers on the street it’s a bit weird. I talk to them a couple of seconds and tell them I have to go, so I’m not trapped there forever.”

And his advice to lottery winners? “Enjoy it the best you can. If anyone asks for money just ignore them, unless they are close family or friends.”

As for the Aston Martin. He may yet buy one, having built up more confidence in his driving.