Lucky winner Dave Picken, of Millston Close, Hartlepool, has clinched the £25,000 regional jackpot for the second time with the People's Postcode Lottery.



After receiving his prize from radio celebrity Judie McCourt, the 56-year-old said: "I was extremely surprised that lightning struck twice.

"I can't believe I've won it again. My neighbours told me I was silly to carry on playing once I'd won. But who's silly now? They've missed out again."

Had Dave's neighbours been playing, then he would have had to share the winnings as the £25,000 prize is shared by all ticket-holders with the selected postcode.

The father-of-two, who first won in September 2006, discovered his second win by letter.

He said: "I had just returned back from holiday. It was the first thing I opened and I was absolutely delighted."

His lucky postcode, TS26 0PX, was selected at random by a computer.

Former Mail journalist Dave, who works for marketing communications experts Durham Associates, in Castle Eden, added: "I did the postcode lottery when it first started. It supports local charities so I thought it was a good idea.

"It would be churlish of me to stop. I'm looking forward to winning for the third time."

He has yet to reveal what he will spend the money on.

Last time around he donated money to his beloved West Hartlepool Rugby Club and towards daughter Claire's wedding.