Plenty Of Presents In Plymouth

Players in Plymouth were delighted to get an early Christmas present today as they unwrapped a share of £3 Million.

A total of 395 players won a share of the prize when postcode sector, PL2 1 was revealed as a winner. People's Postcode Lottery ambassador Judie McCourt surprised some lucky players at their door.

Stephanie Randall and Annie Gooding were both stunned to each win a whopping £225,683 when it was revealed that they played with the full winning postcode, PL2 1HP.

There were lots of tears and screams of joy from Stephanie and her fiancée, Danielle Bradford, when they were surprised by Judie. "We've had such a bad year," Stephanie exclaimed. "I can't believe it."

Stephanie and Danielle, who got engaged in November, have been through some trying times in the last year, as Danielle has just been given the all-clear from cancer. "This year has been tough," said Stephanie. "This time last year, Danielle was diagnosed with cancer but I feel our luck is finally changing. I proposed when she got the all-clear in November but we didn't think we could afford a wedding for quite a while – now we have some planning to do!"

As well as Danielle's illness, mum-of-two Stephanie has had serious money worries this year. "I've recently left my job at the local hospice to spend more time with my family, especially my youngest son before he starts school," she said. "I was planning to try and get a part-time job in a call centre, but now there isn't so much of a rush. My little boy asked me not to quit work as he feared we wouldn't have enough money. Now we can make sure we all have an extra special Christmas."

Another winner in the full winning postcode was Annie Goodling, who was especially lucky and almost missed out on the big win after moving house. "I literally just called to update my postcode – thank goodness my old postcode was still included in the December draw!"

Annie, an assistant technical officer, was joined at the cheque unveiling by her partner David. "This is just amazing, it means I'll be able to retire. I think it'll take quite a while to sink in," she said. "When I got the telephone call to say I had won something, they said it was at least £2,000 – so to get over £200,000 is a dream come true for us. I'll be able to look after my children and my grandchildren, so thank you from me and from them too."

There were two other winners playing in the full winning postcode who weren't available to receive their cheques, but their winnings will be transferred directly into their bank accounts.

Sylvia Wilderspin was another lucky winner, who was presented with a £14,298 cheque. Sylvia, who plays with three tickets, was over the moon with her win. "I never expected to get such a lovely Christmas present," she said. "Our car has just packed in so it couldn't have come at a better time. I will continue to play to support charities. Winning is such a lovely bonus."

Judie added, "I've been showing up at winners' doors today wearing red and handing out cheques so now I know what it's like to be Santa Claus! It's always fantastic to meet lucky winners but its extra special at this time of year. I'm sure this money will ensure a very merry Christmas to winners today and a fantastic start to 2017."

It's not just players who win with People's Postcode Lottery - over £161 Million has been awarded to charities, and over 2,000 good causes across Great Britain and internationally.

There are more fabulous photos in our Plymouth Postcode Millions Facebook album.

There were celebrations elsewhere this weekend, as some lucky Battersea players scooped £25,000 each, and Rugby was drawn as the second Saturday Street Prize winner.