The lucky finalists of the grand Diet Coke Applause competition rose to claim their prizes at a presentation held at the lavish Le Meridien hotel in St Julian’s recently.

Gift vouchers and merchandise for a total value of Lm6,000 were presented to the winners.

This extensive campaign, hosted by popular local radio XFM, began on 16 April allowing anyone willing to participate to apply by text message or over the internet.

Registered participants were then chosen randomly by Jay and the Crew, who host the Go Live Big Drive Home on XFM, and those who answered their phone “An Applause To… their name” were asked to solve a music-related quiz for a chance to win the grand prize.

Diane Vella was the lucky winner of the final prize, which included a holiday package for two at the newly refurbished Le Meridien Spa in Croatia as well as a variety of vouchers from co-sponsors for a value amounting to Lm3,000. The runners-up were also rewarded with vouchers ranging from Lm200-Lm500. Other participants did not go home empty-handed either, as they bagged a Nike “Plus” accessory and a limited edition Diet Coke T-shirt.

Martin Agius, sales and marketing manager for The General Soft Drinks Co. Ltd gave a short speech during the awards ceremony. He was quoted as saying “More and more people recognise Diet Coke as a choice product in its own right, not as an alternative to regular Coca-Cola. The Diet Coke consumer knows exactly what they want, and we’re glad to oblige.”