A LUCKY south Essex family are proof that dreams do come true after they won the trip of a lifetime to one of the world’s most famous landmarks.

Michelle Stevenson and John Williams, from Wickford, along with their sons Baily and Casey, became the first British people to ever sleep in the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

They were one of just four fortunate families selected from more than 150,000 entries from across the world.

Entrants were asked ‘what would you do if the Eiffel Tower Apartment was all yours for a night?’ and Ms Stevenson pulled at the heartstrings of the judges.

She replied that her dream was for nine-year-old Baily and six-year-old Casey, who are both autistic and love light displays, to witness the bright lights of Paris.

Speaking as they arrived in the French capital, the proud mother said: “We have never been to Paris as a family and are desperate to see the city, so we couldn’t believe it when we were one of the chosen families to stay in this incredible apartment.

“It is in the most recognisable building in France. We are absolutely thrilled and cannot wait to see the lights of Paris from the best view in town”

The youngsters acted as “junior engineers” as they helped to turn the tower’s lights on.

Completed on March 31, 1889, the Eiffel Tower was ranked as the world’s tallest man-made structure for 41 years until the Chrysler Building was unveiled in New York in 1930.

It measures 324 metres tall, including antennas, and weighs a staggering 10,100 tonnes.

This summer the foot of the tower has been transformed into a fan zone for up to 90,000 people as part part of the Euro 2016 football tournament.