A COUPLE celebrating their ruby wedding anniversary and their bridesmaid are among four lucky neighbours celebrating this weekend scooping £140,000 between them

The four neighbours in Thornbury each pocketed prize cheques for £30,000 and a £5,000 holiday prize after their postcode, was announced as a winner yesterday (Sunday, February 26) with the People’s Postcode Lottery. 

Stephen Monks, 61, and his wife Debra bagged a £35k cash windfall thanks to their postcode BS35 2DY.

Stephen, a caretaker at a local school, is now planning a special holiday for their 40th wedding anniversary. 

Stephen said: “I never thought we’d get a knock on the door from the Postcode Lottery. 

“It’s brilliant, absolutely brilliant!” 

“As it’s going to be our ruby wedding anniversary, we’ll go away somewhere nice and sunny, near the beach to celebrate.”

Gazette Series: Winner Stephen Monks and his wife Debra pocketed prizes totalling £35,000Winner Stephen Monks and his wife Debra pocketed prizes totalling £35,000 (Image: Postcode Lottery)

The couple are also celebrating the win with their bridesmaid, Samantha Walker, who also netted a total of £35,000.

Samantha said: “Debra and I grew up together and it's lovely to think we’ve both won. I was born and bred in Thornbury, it’s a very well-known family.”

"Not in a million years did I think this would happen to someone like me. 

“It’s come at a fantastic time - we can get a new shed, a new bathroom and we can go on holiday.

Gazette Series: Samantha Walker, who was bridesmaid at Stephen and Debra’s wedding, also won £35k in prizesSamantha Walker, who was bridesmaid at Stephen and Debra’s wedding, also won £35k in prizes (Image: Postcode Lottery)

“I think we’ll go on a cruise or try somewhere different. The Caribbean would be really nice or Italy because I’ve never been.”

Another neighbour, Richard Cahill, 42, is planning a special trip to Lapland and some home improvements.

Richard said: “This win is absolutely awesome! I feel shocked but amazed.

“My wife and I have been chatting about taking our little boy to Lapland for Christmas. So, we’ll go on a lovely holiday together. 

“We’ll spruce up the house a little bit.

"The porch is looking a little bit tired at the moment and we’ll maybe do the bathroom as well.”

Gazette Series: £35k winner Richard Cahill is heading to Lapland with his family£35k winner Richard Cahill is heading to Lapland with his family (Image: Postcode Lottery)

Postcode Lottery ambassador Matt Johnson said: “Congratulations to our four winners in Thornbury who have scooped whopping prizes as part of our daily February draws. 

“I hope they all enjoy celebrating tonight, spending the cash and having a great time on holiday.”

The other £35k winner in BS35 2DY has chosen to remain anonymous. 

Everyday throughout the February draws one postcode will be announced as a £30,000 prize winner. 

All the players in the postcode will win £30,000 and an additional £5,000 for a holiday for every ticket they hold.

For more information see - www.postcodelottery.info