A CWMBRAN man has netted a £25,000 jackpot after his postcode, NP44 2PH, was drawn as a winner in the prize lottery.

Mike Burden, 59, was joined by his partner Ruth when he was presented with his cheque by former Welsh international rugby player Scott Quinnell. “I was so excited to meet Scott,” said Mike. “I’m a big fan of his and it was nice to chat to him as one of my sons went to his school.”

Although Mike, who is a retired assistant accountant, was shocked to win, he and Ruth have some plans for the money. “We’d love to get a special holiday booked,” he said. “Ruth is a big Lord of the Rings fan so New Zealand is our ideal place. The furthest I’ve been is Corfu so it will be an adventure.”

Mike and Ruth have five children between them so they have plenty of people to spoil. “Two of my daughters are trying to get on the housing market so I would really like to help them,” said Mike.

Mike has been a player since 2012 and decided to sign up to support charities in his area. “It wasn’t the prizes that enticed me to play, it was to raise money for charities,” he said. “I couldn’t believe no one else on the street was playing. I’m sure they’ll all sign up now.”

As a charity lottery, players have raised over £61 million for charities and good causes across Great Britain and internationally. One charity local to Mike is St Julian’s Senior Citizen Association in Newport that was awarded £2000 from players to for a new piano to entertain elderly citizens.

People’s Postcode Lottery Street Prize presenter Scott Quinnell said, “I really enjoyed meeting Mike and Ruth and was delighted to present them with their cheque. I hope they get their dream holiday to New Zealand booked soon.”