Callands grandfather scoops Lotto prize

A GRANDFATHER of four from Callands is celebrating after scooping almost £72,000 in the Lotto draw.
Retired plumber Allen Austin, 65, matched five numbers and the Bonus Ball to win a total of £71,735
Allen, who bought his lottery ticket on his way home from working at his family owned truck stop café, said: “We have a card with the same three lines on that we play most weeks. That day I’d been working at the café and a stone had cracked the sole of my shoe and was causing me pain. On the way home I thought I might leave getting a ticket this week but the traffic wasn’t too bad so I pulled over at the last minute to run into the shop – and I am certainly glad I did.”
Allen and his wife of 44 years, Lynne, 62, had been planning to buy a static caravan home in Presthaven, Wales, but now they say a whole new world of choices has been opened up, including the option to visit Allen’s brother in Brisbane, Australia who they haven’t seen for 15 years.
Allen added: “This win will also enable me to attend more Warrington Wolves games – my favourite Rugby League team.”
Allen explained the moment he discovered he had won: “My wife, Lynne went back into the Spar to check the numbers the day after the draw and the shop keeper took her into the office as the shop was fairly busy and explained that we must have won big as there was a message on their screen to call Camelot. Lynne called me straight away.”
Allen said they couldn’t quite believe it and knew it must have been over £50,000. As they were both so busy that day Allen didn’t call Camelot until 24 hours later. When he did, he discovered he had won £71,735 in the Lotto draw.
He said: “We were both overwhelmed and couldn’t believe it. I am feeling very lucky at the moment as just a few weeks before the win I discovered that I have a pension in the thousands which I knew nothing about.
“I am going to take my time over what I do and how I spend the money. I certainly have no plans to give up our Truck Stop Café and Lynne and I will continue working there as we enjoy it so much.
“I will be treating my family to a few things and I’m sure there will be a few extra presents for the Grandchildren this Christmas.”
Allen bought his winning National Lottery ticket from the Spar on Callands Road, in Warrington.
Allen’s winning Lotto numbers from the draw on Saturday 25 October were 11, 17, 30, 43, 49 and Bonus Ball 3.