Happy Halloween For Crediton

A love-struck winner popped the question, live on stage, to his girlfriend of two years this weekend, after scooping a cheque for £5,991 at the October Postcode Millions in Crediton, North Devon.

Paul Riley, 54, was so overcome with emotion when his cheque was revealed that he got down on one knee to propose to his girlfriend Karen. When asked by People's Postcode Lottery ambassador Judie McCourt what he was going to do with his money, he declared, "I need to buy a ring for my girlfriend," and asked the very important question in front of the packed crowd.

Paul was one of 94 winners who shared the £2 Million prize pot, with prizes ranging from £2,995 to £400,000. Two winners who played with the full winning postcode, EX17 6AA, each won £400,000, but have chosen to remain anonymous.

Paul, who is a comedy magician, described the moment he won and proposed to Karen as "absolutely magical". Paul continued, "I've been wanting to propose to Karen for a while, but didn't have the money. As soon as I saw how much I'd won, I knew exactly what I had to do."

Paul and Karen attended the cheque presentation with their best friends and neighbours, Donna Moors and her partner Shaun. Donna was delighted when she saw her two friends get engaged, but was even more excited when she was presented with her very own cheque for £14,980.

Donna, who is a Pagan White Witch, had a good feeling about the event, as Halloween is always a special date in the Pagan calendar. "I'm a practising White Witch, and have been sending positive messages to all the players in advance of the event," said Donna.

Donna knows exactly what she plans to spend her money on – her three children, Harry-John, Katie and Jessica. "My daughter Jessica lives in Northamptonshire, and I would really love for her to move down to live with us here. Hopefully now with the money I've won today, she'll be able to do that."

Love was also in the air for engaged couple Shane Leach and Sadie Gelsthorpe, who are getting married in August next year. Shane picked up a cheque for a whopping £13,482. The local builder said the money would help them get married life off to a great start. "I can't believe how much I've won. This will help us to put down a deposit for a new home."

Shane's future father-in-law Ian Gelsthorpe was also a lucky winner, scooping £8,988. Ian gave his future son-in-law the seal of approval and promised to spend the money on his daughter's big day. He said, "It will be such an honour to give Sadie away on her wedding day, and this money will make a real difference to them."

Sector winner Patrick Rice had already scooped £8,985 when he discovered he had also won a brand new BMW 1 Series.

Judie McCourt, who was delighted to hand out cheques to the lucky winners from Crediton, said, "This has got to be one of the most amazing treats to receive on Halloween – we had our first ever Postcode Millions proposal! It's been a fantastic day in the beautiful Devonshire countryside, and it's been a real pleasure to give away £2 Million to all the lovely winners from Crediton!"