Former Ferryhill miner wins 拢1m on Lottery

Image caption, The 72-year-old will spend some of his winnings on a caravan

A retired miner has thanked his late mother after scooping 拢1m on the Lottery on her birthday.

Thomas Harwood, 72, of Ferryhill, County Durham, won the EuroMillions Millionaire Raffle Prize on Friday after visiting his mother's grave.

The grandfather-of-four said he was "sure" his mother had a hand in his win.

He plans to buy a static caravan near Redcar beach and help his granddaughter with her university fees.

Mr Harwood, who was a miner for more than 25 years, woke up on Sunday after dozing off watching snooker and checked his winning ticket.

'Lucky person'

He said: "I really can't believe that I have won. It's amazing.

"I went to visit my mum and dad's graves on Friday and I took some flowers as it would have been mum's birthday.

"I'm sure she's got something to do with this win.

"I really couldn't believe it when I realised I'd pocketed 拢1 million."

Mr Harwood is divorced, with a son, four grandchildren and a great-grandson.

He added: "I beat the odds when I beat mouth cancer three years ago so I guess I am quite a lucky person.

"I win every now and again on the horses but the most I've ever won on the Lottery is 拢10, so to win 拢1m is just unreal."