LOCAL firm HBH Woolacotts have narrowly avoided having to pay out nearly a quarter of a million pounds to customers following England’s run to the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The electrical appliance retailer, which has nine shops across Devon and Cornwall, including in Bude and Launceston, offered anyone who bought an OLED TV between May 1 and June 17 a full refund if the Three Lions won the tournament for the first time since 1966.

However Mario Mandzukic’s extra-time winner in Moscow last Wednesday night (July 11) ensured that Gareth Southgate’s men came up just short.

Company director, Chris Hemmerle, who came up with the idea with managing director Martin Hemmerle, admitted that it was a nervous time.

He said: “There were a lot of mixed feelings. I was very excited as I’ve never seen England do that well in my lifetime but obviously quite nervous, especially when the publicity started to ramp up!

“My phone was red-hot on Tuesday and Wednesday from other news organisations and nationals.”

Woolacotts have offered such incentives before.

Mr Hemmerle said: “We’ve always tried to organise different promotions. In 2010, we did one on Wayne Rooney to finish as top goalscorer.

“We’ll continue to do it and promote it and have a bit of fun!”

When asked for his overall feelings after the semi-final and what his customers probably thought, Mr Hemmerle quipped: “I imagine they’re as gutted as we are. We’re all England fans and we’d love to have seen them reach the final!”