FOUR lucky Barnard Castle residents scooped the top prizes in a lottery street draw at the weekend with a total of £120,000 being snapped up by families on Dawson Road.
It is the first time the prize has been won by a Barnard Castle street in the People’s Postcode Lottery, which began 13 years ago.
In the latest draw, which is run each weekend, four residents in DL12 8JZ – Dawson Road – each landed a cash prize of £30,000.
The draws are run one week in advance so the winners had no clue People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador Judie McCourt would be knocking at their doors last week.
She handed over the cheques to the winners one early morning and offered her congratulations.
One of the winners was Scott Docherty, 29, who works in the administration department at Morrisons in Barnard Castle.
Mr Docherty, who celebrates his 30th birthday next month, was blown away when he discovered how much he had won.
He said: “Until they pulled open the envelope I didn’t know how much I had won, just that I had won something.
“It’s just absolutely amazing. When they interviewed me I did say I would probably think about a holiday. But my mind was all over the place and to be honest I can’t remember what I said because I was thinking I’ll have to get to work soon.
“I’ve had a little bit of time to think and speaking with family I think I will invest it. I don’t want to squander the money. I have a little boy and my partner and I want to make sure we have something for the future.”
Also picking up a prize was neighbour Tony Kent, 41 and his wife Nini.
Both said they were genuinely shocked when Ms McCourt turned up to hand over the cheque, exclaiming: “You have to be joking?”
Mr Kent added: “It’s a welcome surprise.
“We can do so many things now that we’ve been meaning to get around to, like going on holiday and getting the house decorated.
“I’m over the moon!”
Mrs Kent said: “We know Scott from living on the street so it’s great being able to win alongside him.
“I hope he’ll enjoy the win as much as we will.”
The two other winners chose to remain anonymous.
