A Clacton man has hit the jackpot winning more than £200,000 playing bingo.

The 62-year-old painter and decorator, who does not want to be identified, scooped his fantastic win on Sunday at the Gala Bingo in Colchester.

He was taking part in the national bingo game which links up 550 clubs across the country and was competing against thousands of players for the top prize.

It is the second time in less than a month that a player at the Colchester club has won the national game after a woman from Stanway collected £115,000 on September 27.

The lucky painter and decorator was over the moon after his win and said he will share his good luck with his family.

His wife died four years ago, but he has twin daughters and four grandchildren to share his good fortune with.

"I couldn't have a drink because I was driving," he said. "I went round to one of my daughters to break the news and show her the claims form and went home to bed.

"I was up 15 minutes later with a cigarette and a cup of tea because I just couldn't sleep. The money will come in very handy for me and my family."

The game is held every night with clubs linked up to a national computer and players have to tick off 15 numbers on their card to win.

Published Wednesday October 23, 2002

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