IT was like something out of a fantasy tale.

Gateshead music teacher John Ward would pass the car showroom on his way to school and gaze lovingly at the classic models he longed to own. He knew he could not afford to buy one ... until he went on ITV's quiz show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.

Nine questions later, he was back at Simon J Robinson classic cars in Darlington, County Durham, £9,000 cheque in hand, for the mark II 1968 Jaguar that had caught his eye.

Mr Ward had been working as a supply teacher at Darlington's Eastbourne School when he went on the quiz show, last month.

He was on the verge of doubling his £16,000, but failed to answer the question "Who wrote the best-selling book Fatherland?". The answer was Robert Harris.

Mr Ward, 45, said: "When I won the £16,000, I thought I would go back and take a look at the cars I had seen. I saw the Jaguar and fell in love with it. I have always admired its shape."

Simon Robinson, who has run a classic car business for 25 years, said: "Kevin Keegan has looked around here and the television actor Michael Elphick once bought a car for a girl he was going out with.

"Classic cars have so much character and are very British."

Mr Ward said: "Being on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire was a marvellous experience.

"My wife said to me afterwards, 'It's your money to spend pet', although I've promised her the rest will go on a new kitchen.