As a 16-year-old Gary McGrann hoped he would have his own business by the time he was 30.

But a last-minute decision to buy a National Lottery scratchcard saw his dream become a reality while he was still in his teens.

Now aged 20, Mr McGrann, from Hollywood, Birmingham, won £100,000 after buying the scratchcard in November 2002.

Moments before, he had decided to get a quick bite to eat with his friend and fellow Stratford College student Andrew Burrow.

Mr Burrow had originally planned to buy the scratchcard but opted instead for a packet of crisps in the hope of winning £20.

Within minutes, Mr McGrann had discovered he was thousands of pounds richer and kept the card in his pocket as he waited for the end of his classes.

He calmly told his classmates that the scratchcard was locked in a safe and played a game of pool before removing it from his pocket and calling Camelot on a college pay phone.

"I bought it in Stratford and sat down. My mate Andrew Burrow was about to buy it before me, which he now hates to be reminded about," he said.

"He is one of my best pals but he hates me for it. He was happy for me but was a little gutted.

"Normally in the morning my mates would buy a scratchcard but that morning they never bothered and I did.

"When I won, I had a really happy feeling and my family were happy for me. A few people at college suddenly wanted to be my friend but I was not the sort of person to be gullible."

But rather than squandering his winnings Mr McGrann decided it was time to start his own business and a year ago he set up a transport courier business called GM Transport.

He said: "I was still at college studying public services as I wanted to be a fire-fighter and that plan got knocked on the head.

"Originally I was going to save the money and invest it but I put a deposit away for a house and used the rest to start the business up.

"To have my own business is a dream come true and, thanks to Camelot, I could do that.

"It is a transport company and has been going for about a year and two months. It has gradually got busier and busier. I have always wanted to have my own business and have always been interested in driving.

"I have been driving on private roads since I was 14-years-old.

"The cheque was in the bank within three days of me winning the money."

With no background in business, he originally appeared to be at a disadvantage compared to other courier bosses.

But his drive and enthusiasm has seen his business take off with contractors queuing up. He said: "It was quite scary but I was quite determined as well. I had a bit of support from my family but all the rest was pretty much done on my own.

"You have a lot more confidence when you have got money behind you and as soon as I got one job, another one came along.

"It has definitely changed my life. If I had not won the money, I would probably be in a nine-to-five job. I always said I would have my own business, I just never thought I would have it this quick."