Main Street Millionaires as Inverkip lands £2 Million windfall

Residents of a small village in the West of Scotland were left celebrating this weekend after finding themselves £2 Million better off.

The former fishing port of Inverkip is the lucky winner of our £2 Million Postcode Millions. An overwhelming one in ten residents received an average payout of £6,000.

And a trio of neighbours living in Main Street, who play in the full winning postcode PA16 0AT, scooped the largest amounts. 77 year old pensioner Walter Jones was one of them. Walter netted £400,000 and a brand new BMW 1 Series with his two tickets. The former Navy man and Clyde Port worker believed he was to receive just £500. Instead he and his wife Florence found themselves driving away a brand new BMW, clutching a cheque for £400,000.

Originally from Liverpool, Walt describes himself as an "adopted Inverclyder" having lived in Inverkip with his wife for over 50 years. Of his newfound fortune he said "It's magic, my head is just spinning. To win £400,000 is incredible, and to top it off with a car is unbelievable. My granddaughter Shannon already has her eyes set on it as her first car!"

This close-knit community saw friends and family win together. Neighbour Pat Cairns, 68, who plays with two tickets, also received £400,000. 38 year old mother of one Lynne Hunter's single ticket landed her £200,000.

With her win enough to buy a house in the area four times over, Pat said she was "Incredibly shaken and lost for words. It's our fiftieth anniversary next year plus my husband turns 70. It's been a lifelong dream to go on a cruise together to Australia and New Zealand."

Pat's husband Arthur, a huge rugby fan, is tempted to go a little earlier. He'd like to see Scotland play if the team reach the quarter finals of the Rugby World Cup final later this month.

Lynne Hunter, a staff nurse at Invercylde A&E, revealed her husband Stuart was unaware that his 38 year old partner had pocketed £200,000. She said "I can't wait to tell him! We deserve a wee holiday with our baby boy, plus we'll pay off the mortgage. It'll just make our lives so much easier."

The Postcode Millions party, held on Saturday 10 September, was a star-studded affair. Presenters included TV personalities Judie McCourt, Scott Quinnell, Carol Smillie, Michelle McManus and Angus Purden. Crowds of over 300 were entertained by Britain's Got Talent contestant Shaun Smith. Shaun impressed judge Simon Cowell with his version of the hit 'Ain't no Sunshine' on the talent show in 2009.

People's Postcode Lottery ambassador Carol Smillie sent her congratulations to all the winners, saying "I think I can speak for everyone celebrating tonight when I say this has been a fantastic boost for Inverkip - and it's proof fortunes really can be changed overnight! We've got two more new Postcode Millions pots to be won this year, so who knows, we may be back very soon."

Local charities in the area, including Children 1st, Scottish Wildlife Trust and Maggie's, all benefit too. £14 Million has been raised for good causes to date.

For photos of the party, check out the albums on our Facebook page.