BBC News channel
posted 12:40 GMT, Tuesday, 3 June 2008 13:40 UK

Herbert Plant, 49, from Blackpole, Worcester, said he would spend the cash from Saturday's draw buying a car and paying off his son's mortgage. But he said he wanted to continue working at the city's St Paul's Hospice, which took him in after he lost his home and job.

The chef said hearing the news of his windfall was "surreal". Mr Plant said he called his employers on Monday to tell them about the win; they greeted the news with disbelief.

'Lucky weekend'

He said he would now be taking "time out" to decide what else to do with his winnings. However, the Leeds United fan said he would go to Elland Road to see a match and would also pay for a holiday.

"My youngest son Jamie did say he thought it was going to be a lucky weekend," Mr Plant said. "I asked him what he meant, but he just couldn't describe his feelings, although I'm very glad they have come true."

Mr Plant, who is divorced, said he played the lottery by Lucky Dip, which came up with the winning numbers of 15, 20, 22, 34, 37 and 39. He said he first realised he had won when his other son Richard, 24, checked his Lotto tickets on Sunday. Mr Plant said: "It was a normal relaxing Sunday afternoon. "Richard was running a few errands for me at the local shop and I asked him if he would check my Lotto tickets at the same time.

"He was gone over an hour so I started to worry, but moments later he ran into the house shouting at the top of his voice, 'You've won, you've won'.

"I couldn't believe it."