Mother of six 'Emeline Taufa (29) of Hofoa, made a lucky U-turn on December 30 when she decided to head back to town and do some more shopping - just to get a ticket in the Molisi Tonga Supermarket Christmas Bonanza before it closed the same day.

Today 'Emeline collected the $5,000 top prize from the supermarket's owner 'Ainise Sevele.

With her were some of the Hofoa netball team who shared the excitement when 'Emeline's name was drawn from the barrel on December 31. The nine girls were in town after winning their game against Vaini when the Molisi staff called 'Emeline's cell phone.

"We were in our netball uniforms in the market looking for earrings for midnight mass and we screamed," said 'Emeline, "we were trying on shoes and I had one high heel on and one sock and I was jumping up and down in the market screaming. I have never won anything before!"

'Emeline and her husband Chris run the Hofoa Gas Station. Chris and the children who are on holiday in New Zealand were excited to hear of their win, she said.

'Emeline said she had not yet decided what she will do with her prize.

The Molisi Christmas Bonanza giveaway of $5000 and 49 consolation prizes was part of the company's 10th Birthday celebration.