A 58-year-old rock fan missed out on a chance to receive a guitar from his favourite band -- because he was on holiday in Spain.

Bill Griffiths with TV presenter Wesley Smith

Bill Griffiths, a retired station commander of Abingdon fire station, entered a competition to win a guitar signed by the rock band Status Quo, who were performing at the Apollo Theatre in Oxford.

But Mr Griffiths, of Wilsham Road, Abingdon, and his wife Barbara were enjoying the sunshine on the Costa Blanca at the time of the win, unaware that the rock idols were preparing to present him with his prize.

He said: "It was great news to come home to. But I was so disappointed that I missed the chance to meet the group."