A GROUP of indoor bowlers have hit the jack-pot after winning £343,643 from the Lotto draw.

The nine-strong syndicate, aptly named League Bowlers, matched five numbers and the bonus ball in the draw to pocket more than?38,000 each.

The team, which includes seven keen amateur bowlers and who play for Mill House Bowls Club in Hartlepool, found out they had won when syndicate leader and club steward, Philip Quinn, checked the tickets the day after the draw.

The pensioner, along with his wife Ann Quinn, Joanne Lightowler, Mark Squirrel, John Wells, Michael Broome, Reggie Cuthbert-Smith, Colin Facchini and John Brown, who have all been playing as part of a syndicate since 1994, were over the moon when they heard the good news.

“I couldn’t believe it,” said Mr Quinn. “As soon as it was confirmed, I called everyone to let them know. Some of the lads were that shocked by the news that they had to take the rest of the day off.”

After verifying the numbers online he rang Camelot to be told they were indeed in possession of a winning ticket.

He added: “As you can imagine, we were very protective of the actual ticket. I don’t think we slept for worrying we’d lose it! Ann kept it under her pillow the whole time.”

Although few definitive plans have been made, all of the syndicate members are looking forward to spending their winnings, with travel at the top of the priority list. Mr Squirrel, whose brother lives in Australia, has already booked a flight to go and visit him, and Mr Broome has ambitious plans to travel around India.

“I’m not sure what Ann and I will spend the money on yet,” added Mr Quinn. “Probably a holiday or two and maybe a new kitchen. What we’re most looking forward to though is the financial freedom. The win won’t change any of us – we’re all still going to stay in work, stay bowling and stay playing the lottery every week – but without any financial stress hanging over our heads.”

The winning Lotto numbers on Saturday, May 9 were 5, 17, 22, 31, 40, 48 and the bonus ball was 18. The winning ticket was purchased in Morrisons in Hartlepool.

Since its first draw on November 19, 1994, the National Lottery has invested more than ?40m into Hartlepool projects, including The Mill House bowling club, which was recently granted funding for the installation of a new indoor playing green.