A SYNDICATE of brickies have won hods of cash on the National Lottery.

The seven-strong syndicate from South Tyneside won just over £69,000 after matching five numbers and the bonus ball in the July 8 draw.

The bricklayers, who all work for South Tyneside Homes, set up the syndicate when the lottery started.

Member Graham Hartley, 45, said: “We always play the same numbers and have won a few quid here and there but never anything this big before.

“I got a phone call from one of the lads on Thursday morning.

"I thought he must be calling to ask for some holiday, so when he said we’d won the lottery, I thought he was winding me up. We’re all over the moon about the news.”

Members have yet to make their mind up how to spend their winnings, although a holiday to Rhodes, kitchen renovation and a new Gibson Les Paul guitar are top of the shortlist for some members.

Mr Hartley said: “We haven’t won enough to quit work, but it’s still a life-changing amount.

“It’ll make life a little more comfortable, mean we can enjoy a nice trip away or splash out a bit on something for our loved one – things like that.

“The peace of mind a little bit of extra cash gives you is fantastic and is an opportunity for us to really live life to the full.”