A COUPLE have proved that £1 can still go a long way by hitting the jackpot on a National Lottery scratchcard.

A COUPLE have proved that £1 can still go a long way by hitting the jackpot on a National Lottery scratchcard.

Great-grandparents Joan and Tony Block, from Southwold, bought their Blue and Green scratchcard while doing their weekly shop at the Morrison's supermarket in Pakefield, near Lowestoft, and did not scratch off the numbers until later that evening.

After dinner, Mrs Block, 78, scratched off the panels to reveal the £100,000 jackpot. She said: “I uncovered one £100,000 on the card and said I didn't think I would win because it was such a big number, but then I got another, and a third.

“We couldn't believe it. I never thought things like this happened to people like us. You buy these tickets but you never really think you'll win, that's why I didn't scratch it straight away.”

The couple, who have three children, five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, were both born in Southwold and have lived in the seaside town all their lives.

They were presented with their cheque on Southwold Pier today.

Hitting the jackpot started a winning streak for the couple, as Mrs Block's long-awaited hip operation has now been moved forward three months and they found out just days after their win that they have an eighth great grandchild on the way.

Mrs Block said: “The nicest thing is that we'll be able to treat all our family - we're very close and all live in Southwold and Reydon, so this will make for a special Christmas.”

Mr Block, 83, said: “Winning this amount means the world to us, and our family. We have a large family who all live close by so we're determined to treat them, spend a bit on the house and hopefully have a lovely holiday too.”