When a retired Ramsgate couple remembered to check their lottery ticket a month after the draw they could not believe their eyes.

Their numbers had come up a month ago, netting them almost £1.5 million.

Now Sally Ann Wells, 63, and Jerry Gregory, 61, will be starting a very comfortable retirement thanks to the win.

Ex-police officer Mr Gregory said: “I was in a state of disbelief. I never expected to see that. I checked it and the numbers came up the same on the computer.

“To me winning £10 was always a big deal. This is a big difference in scale and I’m still trying to get my head round it.”

The couple spoke of their relief as money worries instantly became a thing of the past following the £1,471,718 windfall.

Mr Gregory said: “It’s a good feeling. We’ve both worked for a living and not to have to worry about that is a very good thing.

“Myself and Sally can take an extended holiday, it will free up money and the nephews and nieces will probably get a surprise.”

After telling all their relatives, the couple plan to take a long holiday in America.