Blackpool Pensioner Scoops £20,000

A 67-year-old pensioner received the shock of his life on Tuesday, winning more than £20,000 playing bingo at his local bingo hall. The fortunate player wanted to remain anonymous.

He claimed half the National Bingo Game prize of £19,145 together with the regional prize of £1,005 and the house prize of £336.

The full National Prize of £38,830 was split with a player in Scotland who also claimed a full house with 46 numbers.

The Blackpool winner has been a member at the bingo club for the past three years.

Victoria Slater, duty manager, said: “The whole club cheered and clapped and we congratulated him, but he was so shocked all he managed to say was ‘thank you’.”