Betfred Big Winner: Avid metal detector hits £50k jackpot

Grandad Paul Collingwood has spent years scouring the countryside with his metal detector hunting for a pot of gold.

He's found Roman and Saxon coins, but it was taking part in his other hobby - enjoying a flutter at Betfred - that saw him hit the £50k jackpot.

The 73-year-old retired ground worker won that amount at the Betfred shop at Newgate near his home in Bishop Auckland, County Durham from a couple of £2 accumulators on the New York Lotto.

Paul opted for four numbers - 13 to represent his birthday and 19, 30 and 41 chosen randomly. His second wager included the bonus number 25, which wasn't needed in the end.

The jubilant winner has wasted no time deciding what to do with his windfall, giving some to his grandchildren and purchasing a new Toyota estate ideal for touring around with his pals from the metal detecting club.

He said: "I have been using these numbers of the 49s, Irish Lotto and obviously the New York for 20-odd years. I have had £8k and £12k wins before, but £50k is by far the biggest.

"I've worked hard all my life and if I could I'd be working now, but my mind wants to but not the body.

"It has been a great start to the New Year."

Betfred boss Fred Done said:

"It’s brilliant that this loyal customer has found his treasure - not on the moorland practising his metal detecting hobby, but at his local Betfred shop... and all for just £4.

"He's now been able to replace his 10-year old diesel car with a brand new hybrid."