A MOTHER of five who scooped £25,000 on the postcode lottery believes her win was sent from heaven.

Christine Wilkinson, 50, thinks her windfall was a gift from her late mother, Mary, who died two years ago.

Days before hitting the jackpot, she spotted a large feather which she interpreted as a signal that her mother was watching over her.

Ms Wilkinson said: "I've always believed that feathers are a lucky sign, so I said to myself, Mam, this feather is too big to put it in my pocket. Send me a smaller one for luck and maybe I'll win the lottery'."

A few feet ahead, she noticed a smaller white feather lying on the grass and, four days later, she won the postcode lottery.

When Century FM radio presenter Judie McCourt turned up on her doorstep, in Saltburn, on Wednesday, she was told that, as none of her neighbours had entered, she had won the entire prize fund.

Ms Wilkinson said: "I can't believe it, as I've never won a penny in my life. People thought I was mad to join the lottery, as you never really expect to win.

"I really liked the fact that it donates to local charities. After losing my mum to heart problems, and my dad and brother to cancer, it really makes you want to do your bit for others."

The People's Postcode Lottery has given out more than £3.4m to players and more than £1m to North-East charities.

Ms Wilkinson said it would take a long time for the news to sink in, and for her to decide what to spend the prize money on, but top of her list was a new kitchen.

She said she'll also splash out on some treats for the family, including her children, Shaun, 32, Kelly, 29, Donna, 24, Tammy, 19, and David, 17, as well as her seven grandchildren.

Ms Wilkinson said that one of the first things that she will do following her win, is to take flowers to her mother's grave, to thank her for the luck she is convinced was heaven-sent.

Ms Wilkinson's reaction can be seen at www.postcodelottery.

co.uk and winning postcodes are announced every Thursday, after 8pm, on Ms McCourt's show on Century FM.