A GROUP of Bermudians won the trip of a lifetime this week - just for opening up a cold beer.

Two locals who took photos of themselves drinking beer for a Gosling Brothers Limited contest won free trips to the Black Entertainment Television (BET) awards that were televised live at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California this week.

"We ran a promotion," said Jennifer Mahoney of Gosling's. "People had to redeem a six-pack holder from Amstel Light along with a photo of themself and a friend drinking beer. They didn't necessarily have to be drinking it, but the beer had to be in the picture.

"The grand prize winner for the competition received round-trip airfare for two, hotel accommodations, and two tickets to the BET awards and transportation."

The BET awards recognise the best that black entertainment has to offer. During the ceremony on Wednesday, Gosling's winners saw rapper 50 Cent receive the Best New Artist and Best Male Hip-hop Artist awards. They also saw James Brown receive a Lifetime Achievement award presented by Michael Jackson.

Jillian Summers, who went to the awards with grand prize winner Kate Arcucci, said: "The most spectacular moment of the awards was when Michael Jackson unexpectedly ran out from the stage wing and draped James Brown after his performance."

And Ms Arcucci said: "The BET awards were a stylish night, full of energy with a lot of elite entertainers. What an overwhelming, unforgettable experience."

A bartender, Kerri Bridges, was also chosen by Gosling's to go along because of her service to the Amstel brand. Ms Bridges was a Club 40 bartender, but currently works at the Salt Rock Grill in Somerset.

Gosling's also sent disc jockey Jason Ford of Island Night Entertainment to go along with the winners to act as host and make sure they got to and from the awards.

"The experience was awesome, something I will remember for a long time," said Ms Bridges. "To see so many of my favourite performers in the same place was wonderful."

The BET awards programme will re-air on July 9.