BARMAN Lewis Rider has told how a trip to buy dog food turned him into a millionaire.

The 22-year-old, from County Durham, is celebrating after winning £1m on a scratch card.

He bought the National Lottery Millionaire 777 Scratchcard, on Monday at the Premier store in Grange Villa, near Chester-le-Street, while buying a tin of food for his dog, Marley.

Mr Rider said: “I had some spare change leftover so just decided to by the scratchcard on a whim.

“I was walking home from the shop, scratching off the panel as I went and looked down and saw that I had won.

“I stared at it for a few seconds and then the penny dropped that I’d hit the big time. I suddenly came over all faint and I just couldn't believe my eyes.”

The former Durham Johnston and Belmont pupil, who works at Durham County Cricket Club, called his mum, Clair, and asked her to come and pick him up.

He added: “I was just in a daze and didn’t know what to do so I called my mum and said 'Mum get here quick - I’ve got some news.

“Much to her frustration I refused to tell her what had happened until we were all together as a family.

“I was so excited we decided to let the news sink in a bit and called Camelot first thing the next morning.”

 After having his life-changing win verified, Mr Rider, who lives with his mother and stepdad, Peter, as well as brother Sean, near Durham, celebrated with a few drinks.

He added: “It’s my birthday in just over a week so I think we’ll have an epic celebration then.

“It’s hard to believe that I’m going to be a 23-year-old millionaire.

“I simply can’t believe this has happened to me. I’m just an ordinary lad making my way in the world.

“It’s a totally life changing occurrence and means I can treat my Mum and Dad to a holiday.

“I’ve also booked a trip to Lanzarote for my brother Sean and I. We won’t have to watch the pennies and can just go wild for a week.”

Mr Rider has also revealed plans to invest in his future.

He said: “I’ve been handed a golden opportunity, I mean, how many people my age have a million quid in the bank?

"I am certainly going to enjoy myself but I also want to get on the property ladder too.

“Once I’ve invested in some bricks and mortar, I would like to see some of the world, so perhaps a round-the-world ticket is in order.

“Whatever happens, I think I’m going to be the happiest 23-year-old on the planet and I intend to savour every minute.”