THE champagne flowed yesterday outside the little village store that became a goldmine for National Lottery players.

Members of the 84-strong Lottery syndicate, who scooped £86,100 between them, gathered outside Stainton Stores to congratulate each other on their good fortune.

The normally quiet village of Stainton, near Middlesbrough - population 3,500 - woke to champagne corks flying and winners planning how to spend their money.

With some members having several shares in the syndicate, everyone will get at least £780 - which, while it might not change their lives forever, will certainly pay for a good night out or two.

Mervyn and Sheila Taylor, former publicans at the village pub, The Stainton, said it would give the whole village a boost.

Mr Taylor said: "It's going in the kitty for our next holiday and I reckon it'll pay for a few trips abroad for everyone.

"It will be a very popular shop now and, you never know, lightning might strike twice.

"We'll all be carrying on the syndicate," he added.

Syndicate leader Alan Heppell, 54, owner of the Stainton Store where members placed their bets, said the group had only been going since February.

He said: "Since then, we had already won around £900, so I think it might be a lucky shop.