A BISHOP Auckland man who hit the jackpot helped to illuminate the lives of hospice patients.

Gary Henry was among a group of National Lottery winners to arrange a festive afternoon tea and ballroom dancing masterclass for more than 200 patients and carers from Trinity Hospice.

The hospice, in Blackpool, supports more than 500 adult and child patients with life-limiting conditions, and their families, from across the North West.

Mr Henry, who used to run a burger van, won £4.5m on the National Lottery in 2008 and went on to buy a new house and enjoys travelling. He also donated £23,000 for a five-a-side football ground in South Church.

The team that hosted the event at the famous Blackpool Tower had a combined wealth of over £115 million. They decorated the Tower ballroom into a winter wonderland for the event and enlisted the help of professional dancers and Father Christmas to make the event extra special.