Smiles In Stoke-On-Trent

A staggering 633 Stoke-on-Trent players of People's Postcode Lottery have received an early Christmas present as they unwrapped a share of £3 Million in December's Postcode Millions.

The full winning postcode, ST1 6DE, saw nine lucky players take home a whopping £136,363 each. A tenth neighbour, who plays with two tickets, doubled their prize to a massive £272,726.

Winners were visited by People's Postcode Presenters Jeff Brazier, Judie McCourt, Matt Johnson, and Danyl Johnson. Our Ambassadors shocked the lucky players by delivering their winning cheques to their doors.

Trevor said winning would allow him to retire from teaching early. "This really makes all the difference now, I'll be able to hand in my notice on Monday and retire immediately. I've been diagnosed with leukaemia and working has just become increasingly harder, so I'll be able to take it easy from now on."

Dennis has lived on the winning street for an incredible 54 years. He said, "I get the People's Postcode Lottery birthday and Christmas cards, it really makes it feel personal being a player - but I never actually expected to win anything like this!

The retired bricklayer added, "I'll do something nice for my daughter Denise and granddaughter Shannon, and I'll donate a large part of it to charity too, as it's important to give something back to others less fortunate."

Sandra, a catering assistant, was shaking with shock when she opened her door. "It will sink in eventually but right now it's still such a surprise."

There were tears all round, with Sandra's husband Andrew and daughter Chelsea both overcome with emotion when they saw the cheque reveal. Her other two children, Lee and Kelly, were not with her. Sandra said, "Of course all of the kids will get something!"

"I think we will go on holiday with the money, probably to Majorca. Two weeks in the sun anywhere will be great! I'm just so pleased for everyone else who has won too, so many people will benefit from this."

The remaining 623 players in the postcode sector ST1 6 shared the rest of the prize pot, winning between £2,125 and £6,645 each.

It's not just players who win with People's Postcode Lottery as a minimum of 31% of the ticket price goes to charities. Over £255 Million has so far been raised, supporting over 4,000 good causes in Great Britain and internationally.

A number of local projects around Stoke-on-Trent have received support from players of People's Postcode Lottery, including Leek Gateway Club. The group was awarded £6,150 last year to aid the social development of people with learning difficulties, and to support their parents.

You can see more photos of the celebration in Stoke-on-Trent in our December Postcode Millions Facebook Gallery.

There were happy winners elsewhere this weekend, as players picked up £30,000 cheques in our Saturday Street Prize and Sunday's Street Prize.