Mick Wigham now plans to enjoy his retirement with wife Liz after years of raising money for others in his former role as chairman of a local branch of Age Concern.

After retiring from this voluntary position in June 2007 after 12 years, Mick, 62, and his wife, Liz, 60, from Thornley, are now revising their plans for the future after the Lotto windfall.

Mick was sitting at home watching the live draw on TV last Saturday and could not believe his eyes when he saw his numbers come up.

He said: "I was in shock when I realised I had matched all six numbers.
"While I remained very calm, Liz was the opposite and became very excited.

"We celebrated with a nice cup of tea!"

"My role with Age Concern was very fulfilling, but very busy.

"I've really enjoyed relaxing a little more in the last 12 months.

"The timing of the win is perfect and we're looking forward to planning the future and taking life easy."

The grandfather, the former chairman of a local Durham branch of Age Concern, is now looking forward to enjoying his retirement in the lap of luxury – after banking £524,020.

Purchasing their council house is high on their wish list, together with a holiday to Devon and gifts for their two children, Joanne, 39, and John, 32, as well as their four grandchildren.

Mick has played the National Lottery since it began over 13 years ago and plays the same Lotto numbers every Wednesday and Saturday.

The lucky ticket was bought at Taylors Newsforce, in Peterlee, and there were eight winning tickets on Saturday with numbers 7, 12, 19, 23, 46 and 48.

Tonight's EuroMillions jackpot is an estimated £11m, while Saturday's Lotto jackpot is an estimated £4.5m.