A retired couple from Ingatestone are celebrating after winning the top prize on the St Francis Hospice lottery - £1,000.

Ron and Maureen Emm, who will be marking their golden wedding anniversary this year, signed up to the hospice lottery six months ago.

Maureen said: “I didn’t expect any return so I’m still getting over the shock of winning!

“We have had a couple of friends who have spent time at St Francis Hospice and another who was cared for in their home by their Hospice at Home team so we know it’s a good local cause to support.”

Esther Preston, marketing manager at St Francis Hospice, said: “With the National Lottery putting up its price of a ticket to £2 there’s never been a better time to play our weekly lottery.

We also want to make it as easy as possible for people to play our lottery and support a local charity so all of our shops including our branches in Barkingside, Dagenham Heathway, Upminster, Brentwood, Romford and Hornchurch now also sell single tickets for a one week entry for just £1.”

If you want to sign up you can visit www.sfh.org.uk or call 01708 771433.