NEIGHBOURS in Ellesmere Port are celebrating after scooping thousands of pounds in the Postcode Lottery.

The lucky postcode CH66 1NE was announced as a winner of our Saturday Street Prize and saw Carolyn Hawthorne, 44, land a double victory of £60,000 through playing with two tickets.

Two of her neighbours won £30,000.

Carolyn said, "This is the kind of thing that happens to people on the TV, but never to me. It's very surreal."

Chester and District Standard:

Carolyn and Derek Hawthorne plan to travel with their winnings.

Carolyn, who works in HR, was joined by her husband Derek when she received the knock on her door. She and Derek plan to do some globetrotting with her windfall.

She added: "We both love to travel and would love to go to Vietnam. I also lived in Colorado for a year in 1996 where I worked as an au pair. I'm still in touch with the family I worked with but have never had the opportunity to go back - now I've got the perfect excuse to return and this time around I can share the experience with Derek.

"This amount of money is life-changing for us so we're going to try and strike a balance between being sensible with it while also making sure we have fun and enjoy it at the same time."

Neighbour Wendy Sweeney was thrilled to win £30,000.

Wendy, a local bridal shop owner, screamed with delight when her son Adam contacted her via FaceTime to let her know how much she'd won.

Chester and District Standard:

Wendy Sweeney's son Adam and her sister-in-law Sharon Taylor accepted her winnings on her behalf.

Wendy, who was on holiday in Crete for her husband Carl's 50th birthday, had arranged for Adam and her sister-in-law Sharon to collect the cheque on her behalf.

Adam said, "I never thought this would happen to my mum but here it is, right on our doorstep! We've got a big party planned for my dad's 50th when they get back from holiday but it'll be an even bigger celebration now. I'm going to need to make sure I sign up and play!"

Sharon added, "Carl had a heart attack three years ago, so it's really nice they've got a bit of luck on their side now. I'm sure the champagne will be flowing in Crete and I can't wait to toast the good fortune with them when they get back."

While the remaining winner couldn't collect their cheque in person, their prize money will be paid directly into their bank account.

Street Prize Presenter Danyl Johnson was handing out the golden envelopes in Ellesmere Port.

He said, "I've had the loveliest time meeting Carolyn, and it was great fun FaceTiming Wendy from her sun lounger to let her know she'd scooped a massive prize. It sounds like there's going to be a lot of partying coming up in Ellesmere Port - I hope they have a great time!"

The Postcode Lottery supports charities of all sizes, with 32% of the ticket price going to charity.

One local charity that has been supported thanks to players is Chapter - West Cheshire. The charity received £6,500 thanks to players which is funding a life-skills key worker to support over 150 people with mental illness to get back into work.