A LUCKY couple have won £30,000 in a lottery which will enable them to spend more time with their grandchildren in Australia.

Jed and Jan Champion, who live in Glendale Gardens, Leigh, were thrilled to open the door and discover they had the won the money in the People’s Postcode Lottery’s Street Prize.

Jed said: “This is unbelievable.

“I’m absolutely gobsmacked and so surprised to win such a large amount of money.

“It’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before.”

The win couldn’t have come at a better time for the Champions, as Jed has just celebrated his 65th birthday and is planning his retirement.

He said: “My family emigrated to Australia seven years ago and we have two granddaughters over there.

“So with my retirement coming up, myself and Jan are hoping to spend more time over there.

“This win will definitely help us do that now.”

They were presented with the cheque by one of the lottery’s ambassadors.

Another lucky resident in the road also won £30,000.

They were not in at the time to receive their cheque and so the money will be paid into their bank account.

Former Canvey footballer Jeff Brazier, who presented Jed with his cheque, said: “I’m over the moon for both of the winners who have picked up a prize in Leigh.

“I’ve loved meeting Jed and Jan and I’m sure they’ll have an amazing time with their family in Australia.”

With a minimum of 32 per cent from every ticket going to charity, players of the People’s Postcode Lottery have now raised £330 million for more than 4,000 good causes across the country.

These include Southend Mencap, which received £20,000 last year to deliver music education to children and adults with learning disabilities.

For more information on People’s Postcode Lottery and how it works, visit www.postcodelottery.co.uk