Neighbours share £420k lottery win

TWELVE neighbours in Derbyshire are celebrating after each winning a share of a £420,000 cash prize.

Among the winners are a married couple who are furloughed and shielding, a mum of two who plans to buy a headstone for her late mother.

In Stonebroom, near Clay Cross, neighbours received the news they had won their share of the Postcode Lottery at the weekend.

One winner, 44-year-old mum-of-two Jane Larcombe, scooped £30,000 and was emotional when she found out, as the money will mean that she will be able to finally buy a headstone for her mother’s grave.

Jane said: “Things like this don’t usually happen to people like me. This means a lot.

“I lost my mum 18 months ago and I’ve been trying to save this last year for a headstone, but it’s been really hard because they’re so expensive, so that’s the first thing I’m going to buy.”

Planning a celebratory Chinese and Facetime with their children, shocked 55-year-old Ian Harris and his wife, Elaine, 54, were delighted to win the “life-changing” sum.

The couple have lived at the postcode since 1988 and both won, taking home a combined total of £60,000. Elaine, who is currently furloughed from her job as a warehouse operative, let out a scream when she saw their prizes. She said: “You’re joking. That’s amazing. That’s going to make a massive difference in ways you wouldn’t believe.”

Ian, who has bad asthma so has been shielding since March, said: “I’m a great believer that there’s always a light at the end of every long, dark tunnel so this has come at the right time. I feel very blessed and fortunate right now. This will change our lives, 100%.”

DE55 6JH was announced the winner and ten lucky players won £30,000 each. The remaining two winners pocketed £60,000 each thanks to playing with two tickets.