PUB regulars have cracked open the champagne after scooping £800,000.

The syndicate of 20 from The Roebuck, Waterhouse Green, Whittle-le-Woods, hit the jackpot on the first Lotto bonus draw on Saturday May 18.

Yet they only realised they had won six days later!

The drinkers, who have been running the syndicate for two years, each picked up £40,000.

Their numbers were 4, 5, 33, 37, 42 and 46. Previously they had collected prizes of just £10 and £44.

The winners had no idea of their luck until syndicate leader Sue Coupe checked the numbers -- after returning from honeymoon!

Landlady June Cookson said: "We only realised the following Friday that we had won. Sue had been on honeymoon with her husband David.

"Then we only thought we had won £160,000. Eight hours later we found out we had won £800,000. We went wild. It was like winning the lottery twice!" She added: "It is a very friendly pub and we have a lot of regulars. It is extra special for me as I am leaving the pub in July.

"My long-term bar staff were able to share in the win so I am leaving on a real high note. She added: "I am going to buy myself some new shoes first. As for the rest of the money, it will be a nice cushion for the future."

Sue and David Coupe, of Whittle-le-Woods, were married at Hollinshead United Reformed Church. Luckily she collected the group's money for the ticket before going on honeymoon to Mexico.

She said: "We couldn't ask for a better wedding present. It is just unbelievable."