A STOCKBRIDGE man is £25,000 richer after his name was drawn in the People’s Postcode Lottery.

Pensioner Henry Cooper said he will be buying gifts for his grandchildren after he received a visit from the prize givers.

Mr Cooper, from Longstock, was picked after SO20 6DX was drawn as a winner on at the weekend.

The 66-year old said the cash came a “just the right time”.

“I feel absolutely brilliant. The first thing that went through my head was wow – it was just so exciting.

"As my wife Heather and I pulled out the cheque, I kept seeing more and more zeros it was just fantastic.

“All the people at work want to play now after they found out I’ve won.

"There are so many prizes when you play People’s Postcode Lottery – it was a shame that none of my neighbours have tickets.

"I was the only one in my postcode £25,000 richer today.

“I look after my grandchildren and they might get a few presents. I just took partial retirement and every little helps.

"This has come just at the right time. If people don’t think you win – I’ve been playing for a year and now I’ve won £25,000!

"One of the most important things is that you’re helping charities.

"I would advise anyone to do it – it’s for good causes and you can win something – it’s a win-win.”

So far players of the charity lottery have raised £113.8 million for charities across the UK and abroad.

Charities in Hampshire have also benefitted from player support including the Wessex Cancer Trust in Eastleigh.

They received £3,350 for the development of two therapy rooms to help people suffering from cancer.

All Saints Pre-school in Winchester also received £2,000 from players for their Let’s Go Outside programme to give nursery age children outdoor lessons.

For more information on People’s Postcode Lottery visit www.postcodelottery.co.uk.