Airport worker celebrates second lottery win

Paul Tolhurst previously won on the Postcode Lottery in 2014

A Gatwick Airport worker celebrating his second lottery win has said it will help him support his family after a "really tough year".

Paul Tolhurst, 61, from Framfield, East Sussex, received his £142,857 share of £1m when he and a group of his neighbours scooped the Postcode Lottery prize.

Mr Tolhurst said it had given him an "incredible lift" after a difficult time.

The airport ground crew employee, who is planning a holiday with his wife Jackie, said the money had been "life-changing" for his family.

The six neighbours shared the lottery's Millionaire Street prize on Saturday, with every winning ticket worth £142,857 and one doubling their win to £285,714, as they play with two tickets.

Mr Tolhurst, who previously pocketed £10,649 in December 2014, said: "It's just wonderful! The lift this is going to give my family, it's like something from God.

"It's been a really difficult year. This is a life-changing amount of money, and this is going to definitely make a difference to my family's lives.

"It's been a really tough year as a family, and I've been struggling to cope with the stress of everything and I've had my own mental health issues.

"I was in a really dark place. It affected me quite bad over the winter period. Luckily, my work was brilliant with me and in last few months I'm starting to feel myself again."

Now he and his wife are planning a cruise to celebrate their 35th anniversary and relax after a challenging time.

"I load and unload aircraft and think about holidays all the time," he said.

"I see people every day go on holiday, and you sort of think one day I will get that pleasure again, but you always put other things first."