The generous mum scooped £25,000 after being named the only player within the winning postcode, Sunderland's Grosvenor Street, Southwick.

"I didn't know what to say," said the 47 year old. "I've never won anything before. It would take two years for me to earn this much money."

It has been a tough time financially for Christine, whose eldest daughter Kirsty, 28, has a severe form of autism.

Despite now living in a specialist care home, Kirsty still comes to stay at home with her family every weekend and Christine makes daily trips to the home through the week.

But her condition means that they are rarely able to venture out together, as Kirsty feels more secure and happy in familiar surroundings.

"It can be hard sometimes," said Christine, who works as a teaching assistant. "Kirsty won't really understand that I've won the money, and her condition means that a holiday might not be possible, but I'm determined to find ways of spending it in a way that she can enjoy.

"She loves baths, for instance, so she would be over the moon with a nice new big one."

Christine – who lives with son Sam, 16, and daughter Becky, 19 – said she will also be spending her winnings on a big treat for mum Laura, 69, who is battling cancer for the fifth time and undergoing a course of chemotherapy.

"Mam's incredibly strong and, despite being so ill, she will still be the first person I ring to tell about the money," said Christine. "It's the first bit of good news we've had in a long, long time, and she'll be thrilled for me. Now we have something to look forward to when her treatment is finished."

Christine, who initially thought she'd only won £250, said a new bathroom and kitchen is also on her shopping list.

She added: "I was planning on a few treats for us all with the £250 I thought I'd won, so I can go a bit wild now."