Great grandmother to get engagement ring after 47 years thanks to husband's £60,000 lottery win

The couple are among the lucky South Shields residents sharing an incredible £120,000 prize money after NE34 0DQ was announced as a winner with People’s Postcode Lottery on Monday, January 6.

Two of the Seymour Court neighbours scooped £30,000 each, while James McLeod, 73, picked up a cheque for £60,000 thanks to playing with two tickets.

The retired structural engineer was joined by Norma, his wife of 47 years, when he discovered how much he’d won and said he’d be using the cash to finally splash out on a proper engagement ring for her.

“When I first proposed to Norma I was a bit stingy and didn’t get her a proper engagement ring, so we’ll be heading to the Metro Centre and I’ll be treating her to a ring,” he said.

“I’m not particularly lucky and the only time I’ve ever really won anything prior to this was the day that I met Norma.”

He added: “We’ve also not had a holiday for a number of years due to ill health, so this will allow us to travel comfortably and be fit enough to enjoy ourselves when we get there. It would be great to head to the Channel Islands.”

James and Norma, who have three children, eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren, plan to treat their family with the windfall too.

Norma commented: “I think we’ve been on a high since we won. All I wanted coming into the new year was better health, and I’m starting to feel better already.”

The prize is part of a special People’s Postcode Lottery’s campaign, with more than a third of ticket sales goes directly to charities.

Visiting South Shields to deliver the cheques, ambassador Judie McCourt said: “James and Norma are a fantastic couple – it’s clear to see how much they adore one another. I’m delighted to hear their new year is off to such a great start and that Norma will eventually get her engagement ring.”