Mr Gibson is the youngest �1m prize-winner

To win the �1m, father-of-two Pat Gibson, from Wigan, was asked: which of these is not one of the American Triple Crown horse races?

Mr Gibson knew the answer was Arlington Million but used his remaining lifelines before answering.

Host Chris Tarrant said: "Pat was an incredible contestant."

'Delighted'

I knew the answer was Arlington Million Pat Gibson, Millionaire winner

He added: "We've never had someone get to the million pound question with two lifelines remaining before - he really knows his stuff.

"I'm delighted for him and his family."

Mr Gibson, who is the youngest-ever winner in the UK version of the show, said: "When I came back with �250,000 and two lifelines, I decided that whatever happened I wasn't going to take any risks.

"When I saw the million pound question I knew the answer was Arlington Million but the stakes are so high at that stage of the game that it would have been foolish not to have used the lifelines."

He now plans to spend some of his prize money on children Elizabeth, 10, and Noah, six.

He had reached �250,000 in a previous programme, broadcast before Easter.

Mr Gibson phoned friend Mark Kerr to help with the final question, who also knew the answer was Arlington Million.

Mr Gibson himself had been a "phone a friend" for Mr Kerr, who won �250,000 on Who Wants to be a Millionaire?.

He joins Robert Bridges in September 2001, David Edwards in April 2001 and Judith Keppel in November 2000, as winners of the jackpot.