Winning Scene In Cross Green

Two lucky residents of Cross Green have landed £25,000 each per ticket after their postcode was drawn as a winner this weekend.

LS9 0DG was one of two winning postcodes to pick up a People's Postcode Lottery Saturday Street Prize today. One lucky winner, who plays with two tickets, scooped £50,000 while their neighbour walked away with £25,000.

Kevin Johnston was delighted to be presented with his £50,000 cheque from Street Prize Presenter Judie McCourt. "We'll have a double celebration this week as it's my son's 21st," he said. "Some of the money will go towards his travels."

Kevin, who works in a museum, would also like to convert his conservatory into a garden room. "It's something my wife and I have wanted to do for a while," he said.

Dad-of-two Kevin had to break the news to his wife June by phone, as she was at work. "She almost passed out," he said. Although Kevin is delighted to be supporting charities by playing, the reason he signed up was because his colleagues were winning. "People I work with were talking about People's Postcode Lottery and a few of them had won smaller amounts. I haven't told them I've won £50,000 yet!"

To date, players have raised more than £148 Million for good causes across Great Britain and internationally.

Projects supported near Cross Green include Beryl Browne Foundation, which received £19,550 for the Reminiscing programme, which is a Caribbean experience for people with dementia.

The Reminiscing programme is for African Caribbean people with dementia or those at risk of getting it. The concept is that for a few hours each week they go back in time and remember experiences which made them happy.

One other player with the same postcode as Kevin scooped £25,000. The other winner was not available to receive their cheque, but their winnings will be transferred directly into their bank account.

Judie said, "It was wonderful to meet Kevin and present him with his nice, big cheque. I hope he enjoys spending the money with his family.

"If you want to be in with a chance of winning, then sign up to play People's Postcode Lottery and help to raise money for good causes at home and around the world."

There were also celebrations in Basildon this weekend, as the second Saturday Street prize landed in SS14 2RA.