FOUR people got 2019 off to a winning start after they hit the jackpot.

The neighbours from Shildon, who chose to remain anonymous, each scooped a cash prize of £25,000 on the People’s Postcode Lottery when their lucky postcode DL4 2GL was announced as a winner on New Year’s Day.

As well as the cheque for £25,000, one player also picked up the keys to a brand new BMW as part of the win.

People’s Postcode Lottery ambassador Judie McCourt said: “I don’t think there’s better way to kick start a new year than with a lovely big lottery win.

"Congratulations to everyone who was playing in Shildon and has netted themselves some cash– I hope they treat themselves to something special in 2019.”

At least 32 per cent from ticket sales goes to charity, players of People’s Postcode Lottery have now raised £371 million for over 5,500 good causes.

One local charity that has benefitted from player funding is Darlington Table Tennis Academy, which received £2,000 last year to run a training programme for coaches. For more information visit .postcodelottery.co.uk