Christmas came early for one Southend woman last night when she won more than £207,000 on a bingo game.

The married woman, who did not wanted to be named, won the national jackpot at the Mecca Bingo Hall in Greyhound Way.

She is a regular player and was "gobsmacked" but over the moon at reaping such a big amount, said customer services manager Barry Hayes.

It is the second time in just over a week that the Southend club has had a big winner.

A 59-year-old widow from Canvey won £108,000 last Friday when she cried full house on the national games.

Mr Hayes said: "We are doing very well at Southend at the moment. It is wonderful to have people winning amounts like this which can make a difference to their lives."

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