Retired trucker wins Lottery £3m

Lucky player Michael Fox scooped £3m on the Lottery

A horse-racing fan has beaten the odds and scooped the £3m jackpot on the National Lottery.

Michael Fox, 64, from Blyth in Northumberland, realised he had won £2,745,415 while watching last Wednesday's live, final draw.

The divorced father-of-five is also an armchair fan of Formula One and is now planning a trip to go to watch the action live for the first time.

The retired truck driver also plans to buy a new house and Volvo car.

As well as the Grand Prix, Mr Fox is looking forward to sharing his windfall with his children - Debra, 45, Colin, 43, Kevin, 42, Susan, 37 and Michael, 36 - and his 14 grandchildren.

Mr Fox said: "It's a dream come true.

"I always watch the Grand Prix on TV but could never have believed I would actually be able to afford to go. I'm going to thoroughly enjoy this incredible good fortune."

Mr Fox bought his winning Lotto ticket from Londis Store on Briardale Road in Blyth and his winning numbers were 2, 20, 22, 25, 41 and 47.

'Double-checked'

He added: "I was watching the draw live on TV and was checking my ticket as the balls came out.

"I couldn't believe it when the first four came out.

"I double-checked everything and then started to spread the good news. I called all my children who were all very excited for me.

"I'm lucky to have such a large and close-knit family - it will be a real pleasure for me now to be able to help them out."

Mr Fox celebrated his good fortune at Newcastle Racecourse on Tuesday with members of his family.