A reclusive elderly woman has left her secret Lottery fortune to charity.

Gail German hit the jackpot when she won £1 million (US$1.92 million) playing the UK Lotto, but no one in the tiny hamlet where she lived knew about it.

When she died, most of the money was split between her local church, a hospital and hospices.

Despite the big win, she continued to live alone in the small rural cottage where she had grown up until her death, aged 53.

She left the house and its garden in Catsash, near Newport, Gwent, to a children's hospice.

The funeral congregation was told about the Lottery win, which Miss German had kept secret for three years.

Neighbors were amazed to hear her estate had been valued at £953,334 (US$1.83 million).

Her will said, "I wish my body to be buried following a service at Langstone Church, at which I would like an announcement made regarding my Lottery win of almost £1 million in October 2001 and that the majority of the winnings were left to charity."

Joan Richards, her aunt, who lives in the village, said, "As far as the money goes, I knew nothing at all about it. I was shocked to find out like everyone else.

"That was Gail. That was the way she was."

Mrs Richards, 72, who lives with her husband Richard, a retired farmer, said, "Gail was a nice girl."

David Lewis, a park-keeper, said he had no idea about Miss German's Lottery win, despite living next door to her.

"I was sad to see her go," Mr Lewis, 53, said.

"I have known her all my life. They said she had money."

Among her beneficiaries was the small church in Langstone, near Newport, where she was buried in September. Miss German left the church £5,000 (US$9,600), which has been revealed now her will has been made public.