Bolton neighbours share £50,000 after scooping Postcode Lottery prize

Maria Shaw and Angela Yates are kicking off the New Year in style after each scooping £25,000 in the People’s Postcode Lottery — thanks to their lucky Deane postcode BL3 4HD.

Mrs Shaw was not on hand to receive her prize — but husband Nick, an ambulance driver, was shocked when the cheque arrived.

He said: “Maria told me to wait at home for a delivery. I was having a morning coffee when I noticed the People’s Postcode Lottery van pull up and I thought maybe one of my neighbours had won.

"Then I realised they were coming to my door. I was stunned when the cheque for £25,000 was revealed.”

People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador Judie McCourt, who delivered the cheque to Nick, called Maria from her doorstep to deliver the good news. She said: “Nick really had no idea we were coming. It was such a lovely surprise for him and when I called Maria she screamed with delight and told me she’d be planning a holiday and getting her car fixed.”

The second lucky winner, Mrs Yates, aged 62, was equally as surprised with her win.

She said: “It’s a dream come true. I’m going to share this prize money with my three children.

"They’ll each get £5,000 each and the rest is mine.”

The lottery has raised more than £99.6 million for good causes across the UK.

Good Companions Bolton received £9,500 to provide cookery classes at the allotment where the group grows food for disabled service users.

Tickets are £2 per draw, with 5 draws every month.