A PENSIONER is celebrating after scooping more than £55,000 at bingo.

The 77-year-old, who does not want to be named, is sharing her prize with her two friends aged 74 and 75, with whom she plays bingo up to four times a week.

The Stockton woman was at the Gala Teesside club at Teesside Park on Saturday when she won the National Bingo Game prize of £54,040 plus a further regional prize of £1,018 and the club prize of £87.

She completed a full house in 40 numbers.

She said: "We always share whatever any of us win, even if it is only £1.

"My knees are still knocking. I never thought I would win this amount of money.

"It makes me cry thinking about it, but they are tears of happiness."

She has two daughters, a son and five grandchildren and said she would be giving them something each from the prize money.

At the age of 42, she was widowed and bought her family up on her own.

She said: "I am very proud of them and they have all been good to me.

"I am so thrilled that I can now do something for them."

Liam Watkinson, manager of the club, said: "She needed a brandy for the shock and the tissues came out the handbag. Everyone in the club was very pleased for her and gave her a big cheer. She carried on playing the next games, but I don't think she knew what numbers she was crossing off.