Spar Shop Syndicate Wins £100,000

The other week a local Spar shop in Magilligan was a hive of excitement when news reached the staff that their 98 member syndicate, which includes workers and customers, had struck gold and scooped a magnificent £100,000 in the National Lottery which was drawn on Saturday.

The owners of the store, George and Harry Canning had got the syndicate together six years ago. They were unaware of their changing luck until Sunday morning when an excited customer rushed in to break the news.

Harry told reporters:

"Since then the phone hasn't stopped ringing. I'm just delighted for the customers. It's a great lift for everyone and the area. We've had different wins back and forth and a few near misses too. A couple of years back we won £1,700, but this is our biggest win."

The winnings will be paid out straight away with members cashing in on around £1,000 each. A lucky winner, Sheelagh Crawford, exclaimed she would be using her winnings to treat herself:

"I've been playing since the beginning. I certainly won't be hiding it under the mattress. I'm going to let it fly high! It's a real bonus."

Another winner, Minnie Douglas, said she would be splashing out on her grandchildren. All the customers agreed that in the midst of the credit crunch this was a great touch of lottery magic to brighten everyone’s day!