IT WAS a Willy Wonka moment for student Imogen Earp when she found a Golden Ticket.

But for organisers of a competition to win entry to Devon’s Top Attractions, it was the end of a three-year mystery.

The Devon’s Top Attractions Golden Ticket was one of just two tickets which had been hidden in a special Rowcroft Hospice South Devon Monopoly edition.

The game been bought from the Rowcroft Hospice shop in Newton Abbot as an 18th birthday present for Imogen.

But it remained unopened while Imogen was away at university and the ticket’s whereabouts were unknown.

When she finally opened the game, the second Golden Ticket was tucked inside.

It gives her a year of free entry for up to four people at all of Devon’s Top Attractions.

Imogen said: ‘I was thrilled to find the Golden Ticket in my Monopoly game but had no idea it was in there.

‘I’m looking forward to getting out and about with my family and revisiting some of my childhood favourite places in Devon.

‘It’s such a wonderful prize and I want to visit as many attractions as I can.’

Golden Tickets had been hidden inside just two boxes at the Hasbro Monopoly packing factory to help boost sales of the charity localised edition.

Each Monopoly game purchased helped raise vital funds for Rowcroft Hospice.

The special edition launched in 2022 and features well-loved local landmarks and businesses.

Mark Hawkins, CEO of Rowcroft Hospice, said: ‘We’re really pleased the missing and much sought-after final Golden Ticket has finally been found and that Imogen can now enjoy a year of free days.

‘The Rowcroft Monopoly project provided us with a new and creative income stream for the hospice to support patients with life-limiting illnesses across South Devon, and we’re so grateful to everyone who supported it.’

The charity project not only shone a spotlight on the unique character of South Devon but also raised much needed funds to help Rowcroft deliver its vital services.