We've cracked the code for £3 million! Families celebrate surprise wins on People's Postcode Lottery

Terrence Horton, aged 60, was one of 103 winners from West Bromwich to walk away with cash prizes totalling £3 million.

The semi-retired pipe fitter attended a special celebratory party at Domain Plaza Hall with his partner Pauline Withers were it was revealed that he had won £436,002.

Although the winners knew they would be receiving a prize they did not find out how much until they arrived at the event.

"I was getting so excited for the event, but I obviously had no idea I would walk away with so much," said Mr Horton, who added he would be celebrating with a bottle of wine.

"The first thing I will do is make some improvements to my house, then we are going to help out some of our family and friends, that is our top priority.

"After that it's a cruise, some caravanning holidays and who knows what," he said.

All 103 winners share the postcode sector B70 7 and the prize pot but Mr Horton's two tickets matched the full winning postcode which was revealed as B70 7LR. His prize amount was doubled from £218,001 because he played with two tickets. The B70 7 postcode sector covers 78 streets in and around the town centre and Lyng estate.

A second lucky player, who also played with the full winning postcode, scooped £218,001 but was unavailable to receive their cheque at the event. Their winnings will be paid directly into their bank account.

Those who went away with relatively smaller prizes compared to the big winners also shared their delight at their new found fortune, with some planning to treat themselves to a holiday and others having a more sentimental use for the cash.

Lorry driver Colin Horton, 54 and his daughter Jodie Horton, 22, who works for a bank, both celebrated together after scooping £20,224 each.

Jodie said: "I just moved out of my parent's house this week and I was going to change the postcode that I play with, but I'm so glad I didn't get around to doing it.

"I'm going to spend the money on my new house that I just bought and go on holiday."

Colin said: "It's great that we both won and I'm really happy for Jodie.

"We'll definitely have a family party to celebrate our win.

"I never thought I'd win this much and now I'll be able to get a new kitchen and go on a nice holiday."

Meanwhile, Sara Stringer, 31, who lives on the Lyng estate, said she would be using her £20,224 prize to purchase a headstone for her daughter who died tragically at just five days old.

She said: "I feel overwhelmed after winning so much money but all I really want to do is get a headstone for my daughter, she never had one and died at just five days old.

"It has brought up a lot of emotion for me but I am really happy and once I calm down I can maybe think about treating myself, too."

Also winning on the day was Tracy Medlyn, who had been keeping People's Postcode Lottery's Facebook page updated on the run up to the event, writing: "I'm not holding my breath for a big win…I'm grateful for anything."

Tracy was ultimately lost for words and breath when she was presented with her cheque for £40,448.

People's Postcode Lottery ambassador, Judie McCourt, who was on hand to present the winners with their cheques, said: "A Postcode Millions is exciting at any time of the year but on the run up to Christmas I always find it that bit more special.

"It was fantastic meeting Terrence today along with all the other winners.

"I hope everyone has the merriest of Christmases."

The lottery also helps community groups as it travels to each winning town, with the MAC Birmingham, Whizz-Kidz charity and more benefitting from donations this time.

More than £154.8million has been awarded to date to charities across Great Britain and internationally.

The winners' celebration saw a number of supported charities in attendance including Missing People, Marine Conservation Society, Riding for the Disabled Association and Girlguiding.