A COUPLE will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary with a Mediterranean cruise after winning £25,000.

Stuart and Christine McKend scooped the prize in the Postcode Lottery three years after they started to play the charity game.

Part of their winnings will go toward paying for a cruise to mark their silver anniversary before they celebrate again later in the year when their daughter Danielle, 37, gets married.

When the couple received the news from prize presenter Judie McCourt, Mrs McKend said: "Never. I can't believe it. I've never won anything in my life. I think I'm going to cry."

Mrs McKend, 61, added: "I've always wanted my own car and never had one - I might just do it now."

She and her husband, from Marina Road, in Darlington, have five grown-up children and seven grandchildren aged from two to 16.

Mr McKend, 62, said: "We liked the People's Postcode Lottery because we know our money is going to good local causes."

As well as the £25,000 the couple shared, it has helped 186 people in the same DL3 0 postcode area to pick up smaller cash prizes.

Ms McCourt said: "It's great to know the money will help with some family occasions. Every weak we surprise a player with a cheque for up to £25,000.

"Theres even more to play for in two special Postcode Jumbo events this year, where each time, players in one lucky postcode will share a £250,000 prize pot."

Proceeds from the game go to charities across the North-East and North Yorkshire. They include Children North East, Daisy Chain, Missing People, Durham Wildlife Trust and Durham Society for the Blind.

For more information on how to play see www.postcodelottery.co.uk.