The 77-year-old, who wants to remain anonymous, is now looking forward to a night out with her two children and three grandchildren to celebrate.

She scooped the prize by playing at the Mecca Club in Dean Road, South Shields, on Wednesday, August 13.

She said: "I was wobbly and my hands were shaking when I won.

"Staff at the club had to get me a drink to calm down and somebody had to telephone my son to ask him to come and take me home."

The widower won the National Bingo Game prize of £26,095, the regional prize of £2,518 and the house prize of £48, after completing a full house in 43 numbers – the lowest call in any of the 450 clubs playing nationwide.

She added: "I used to play twice a week, but after my husband died I went more often – it helped a lot.

"The nights are long if you're sitting in on your own, but when I play bingo, I can go and have a chat with friends and feel better."