A PENSIONER has won a big National Lottery prize after buying a ticket from the shop of one of her 28 grandchildren.

Margaret Whittingham, 71, a mother-of-ten from Hartlepool, won the £117,324 winning ticket along with her 45-year-old son, Paul.

The mother and son team won after matching five numbers and the bonus ball in last Wednesday's draw.

Mr Whittingham, a gardener at Owton Fens Community Association, said he was home with his mother when he realised they had won.

He said: "It was just an ordinary day. I turned on the TV like I always do, sat down and checked my tickets. When the numbers matched I just stared at them, unsure what to do."

Mrs Whittingham, who has 28 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, said: "When Paul came in and told me we'd been lucky on the Lotto, I was taken aback."

The pair have already started making plans on how to spend their money. Mr Whittingham, who lives with his mother, said: "At the top of my shopping list will be a new bed so that I can dream of all the ways I can spend my money!"

His mother said: "My priority will be a new washing machine - one that is easy to use. I also plan to treat my family."

The pair had bought the ticket from Kwik Save, in Hartlepool, where Mrs Whittingham's grandson, Norman Lee Roper, is assistant manager.