Wheels For West Mersea

Nine people in West Mersea have scooped an incredible cash prize of £25,000 each thanks to playing People's Postcode Lottery.

The Suffolk Avenue neighbours picked up the prize when their lucky postcode, CO5 8ER, was announced as a winner.

Retiree Patricia was with husband John when she discovered how much she'd won. She said, "This is just marvellous and has come at such a great time as we're planning on building a conservatory so now that's completely taken care of. John is also in the middle of getting a new boat and this means we can get one that is accessible for us both and suits our needs. I'm sure our two daughters and three grandchildren will be in for a few treats too."

Lucky Patricia got another surprise on the day as she also picked up an extra prize - the keys to a brand new BMW. She said, "This is just the cherry on top of everything – it's been the best surprise ever!" 

Susan was joined by husband Richard and had no idea what to expect when the People's Postcode Lottery team appeared on the street. She said, "It's going to take a while to sink in, that's for sure. We've already started organising a celebration with our neighbours, someone's making some sausage rolls and carrot cake and someone else is organising the champagne so it's really bringing us all together!"

Anthony couldn't believe his eyes when he pulled his cheque out of the golden envelope and said, "I never thought it was going to be as good as this. This certainly gives me a lot to look forward to now!"

Judith couldn't quite take in what had just happened and said, "This is just beyond comprehension – I'm over the moon. Winning with my neighbours is spectacular and I don't think any of us knew that we all played so it's been lovely to share the surprise together!"

Also among the winners were Daiva and Barry who were equally as delighted at scooping the five figure sum.

Congratulating the winners, People's Postcode Lottery Presenter Jeff Brazier said, "It's been fantastic to see so many people on one street in West Mersea winning. It sounds like there's going to be celebrations aplenty over on Suffolk Avenue and I couldn't be more thrilled for them!"

With 32% of the ticket price going to charity, players of People's Postcode Lottery have raised  over £330 Million good causes to date. This prize was part of a draw promoted by the Postcode Innovation Trust.

One local charity that has benefited from player funding is The Laughter Specialists. The group received £3,118 last year to bring laughter and fun to children on long-term hospital stays.

Not quite sure how to play People's Postcode Lottery? Take a look at our handy How It Works page. Or why not check out the fantastic Prizes our players can win? Sign up to play and with a little bit of luck, you could collect a big cheque like our West Mersea winners!

It's certainly been an exciting few days of delighted winners receiving amazing prizes. Our August Postcode Millions prize saw a lucky postcode sector sharing an incredible £3 Million. Three winners will also be making travel plans, after scooping £5,000 in holiday vouchers and £2,000 spending money in August's Dream Holiday prize.

Last month, a delighted player took away not one, but two terrific prizes in July's BMW and £25,000 prize.