£60,000 won by St Annes neighbours

One of the lucky winners, Julie Henderson, 51, intends to take a staycation with her husband who returns from Afghanistan next month.

She also plans to fulfil her dream of starting her own business.

FY8 2QN was announced as a winner with the lottery on Thursday, April 29, landing two lucky players with a cheque for £30,000 each.

The winners found out how much they’d won on video calls with lottery ambassador Judie McCourt.

Julie was not expecting the winning prize sum.

She said: “Oh gosh! 30,000, wow! I can’t believe it! It’s just come at the perfect time. I feel like I’m dreaming.”

Julie hasn’t seen her husband, James, since last year as he has been away in Afghanistan managing a team of private contractors.

Julie said: “My husband is in Afghanistan and I’ve not seen him since December. He comes home on May 18 and it was our wedding anniversary yesterday.

“My poor husband works so hard; he works seven days a week out there and I’m always conscious that he is providing for the pair of us. It’s been really hard for me as I’ve always worked.

“I can’t wait to meet him at the airport and start the celebrations!”

The couple have planned a five-day break away in Shropshire with their dog when they are reunited.

Julie added: “We’re going to take some quality time away together and just celebrate all the special events that we’ve missed out on and now this one can be added.”

Julie is also planning on starting her own business, an online furniture store, and says the prize money will go a long way to making her dreams turn into reality.She said: “It’s just so lovely because I’m in the process of setting up my own business and that money is going to come in so useful to help me fulfil my dream. I’ve registered the company and now I’m working really hard behind the scenes for a June launch.

“It’s hard because I took that risk of changing direction in life and I hoped that I’d be able to fulfil that dream and this money has enabled me to take it right the way through to the launch.”

Julie thanked her dad for the win as he had mentioned to her that he also played.

She said: “He’s a superstar, my dad, as he cares for my mum. This prize is all down to him really, for putting it in the back of my mind.”

The other winner chose to remain anonymous, but their prize will be transferred into their bank account.

People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador Judie McCourt said: “What a fantastic surprise for the winning players from Lytham St Annes I’m delighted for Julie and her husband and I hope they enjoy their time away when they are finally reunited. It was so lovely to hear how much the winnings will help kick start her new business as well.

“Congratulations to both of our lucky players and I hope they enjoy spending their winnings.”