Lucky Seven In Leeds Land Top Prize

The Leeds based creator of the opening sequence for TV show Dr Who was taken to another dimension today after discovering he was a big winner with People's Postcode Lottery.

Billy Hanshaw, a self-employed motion graphics designer from Sandy Bank Avenue in Leeds, was one of seven neighbours who each scooped £171,152 today when their postcode LS26 0ER was drawn as the full winning postcode in March's Postcode Millions.

The news came as 359 players in the postcode sector shared the £3 Million prize pot, with cash prizes ranging from £1,663 up to £171,152.

Billy said, "I've been lucky enough to visit the set of Dr Who to meet Peter Capaldi and walk through the Tardis, but winning People's Postcode Lottery beats that – it's been out of this world!

"Winning this money is life-changing. It means I can travel and pay for some much needed home repairs. I love wildlife and I went to the Galapagos Islands a few years ago thinking it would be a once in a lifetime trip, but this means that I can plan another visit there.

"I've got two rescue dogs, Skye and Chrissie, and I signed up to play People's Postcode Lottery last year to help raise money for Dogs Trust. Playing is such a good way to help charities and winning is truly amazing!"

David Atkin, a retired photographer, had to make a special trip to the winning street as he no longer lives in the postcode.

David said,"I moved last year but kept playing with this postcode as it felt lucky. Crikey - this is wonderful. I love to go on trips to Filey, so I will use this money to buy a caravan there so I can have somewhere to go for a holiday."

Father of three Neil Jackson, who owns his own cleaning firm, was overwhelmed to receive his cheque.

He said, "We were told the minimum we could win was £1,000, so we didn't think we would get such a huge amount. It's going to take a while for it to sink in. I signed up to play a year and a half ago and I never expected this.

"My 25th wedding anniversary is coming up in a few months so I'll be planning a nice trip away with my wife.”

Jill Lampe, a finance manager for a local printing firm, can pay off her mortgage with her winnings.

Jill said, "This is so exciting! This is a massive amount of money to me and it's more than I could have imagined in my wildest dreams.

"I've got two daughters who I'll be able to treat. One of them lives just around the corner and she's kicking herself that she didn't sign up to play People's Postcode Lottery."

"This is such a lovely street and I've lived here for 17 years. It's so nice to be able to share this experience with my neighbours who've also won."

Retirement is on the cards for Terry Teasdale. The self-employed financial advisor for more than 30 years intends to pack away the paperwork on Monday.

He said, "I've been promising my wife Diane that I would retire for years. This win makes it possible right now. Diane has always wanted a soft top Peugeot car - I suppose I best get it ordered!"

Another two winners on Sandy Bank Avenue were unavailable to receive their cheque in person.

People's Postcode Lottery ambassador Judie McCourt broke the good news to the lucky winners. Judie said, "This has been a day to remember. What a brilliant day, we are so grateful for the warm welcome from the winners.

"Every single player who plays with postcode sector LS26 0 has won a share of the £3 Million prize, with those in the full winning postcode winning the lion's share. Congratulations to all those with winning tickets!”

For more photos from the March Postcode Millions, check out our Leeds Postcode Millions Facebook Album.