A YORK postcode has proved to be the lucky one, with neighbours winning five figure sums of the Postcode Lottery.

Garry Barker and Joan Mackie from Carr Lane in Acomb are both about to cash cheques for £30,000.

Garry, 55, said: “I’m not one for being shy but when I saw all of those zeros, I was lost for words. My wife and I have loads of ideas about what we might do with the money. Once it’s sunk in, we’ll get thinking about it seriously but buying a property abroad has always been a dream of our so this might turn into a deposit for an apartment in Spain or somewhere sunny.

York Press:

“I really signed up knowing that the money raised goes to good causes, so this is an incredible bonus.”

The other winner Joan, 72, said she was also shocked by the win: “I can’t believe it. My daughter encouraged me to sign up after she’s had a few small wins but I never expected to win so much. It’s a great way to support charities at the same time as having a chance to win – Dog’s Trust is particularly close to my heart so I’m very pleased that I support them by playing.”

A minimum of 30 per cent of ticket sales from the Postcode Lottery goes directly to charities, and among the beneficiaries has been York’s St Nick’s charity, which was last year awarded £17,180 to develop a wetland site for community and wildlife benefit.