A HAIRDRESSER can put money worries behind her after scooping £111,812 in the National Lottery.

Emma Coulson and her partner of 24 years Robert Silcox, from Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, were on a caravan holiday in Cumbria with their daughters, aged two and ten, when they picked up the winning Lotto ticket.

A tearful Miss Coulson, 40, told how winning the money was a huge relief has her partner had been working long hours to make ends meet.

"He's been working really, really hard," she said. "It's been a very difficult time as we have had financial problems. This win is life changing for us as it means we don't have to worry."

Mr Silcox, 44, said he picked up the ticket by chance while searching for his favourite mixer.

"I wanted some sprite to go with my Southern Comfort and I couldn't find a bottle anywhere," he said. "I went from shop to shop. Eventually I went into Spar in Grange over Sands and picked one up, and decided to buy a lotto ticket while I was there."

A few days later he checked the numbers and couldn't believe his eyes.

Miss Coulson said: "When he first walked into the bedroom, his face was ashen. He said we'd won the lottery and I just thought he meant £100 or something. When he told me we had five numbers and the bonus ball I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

" We were just in a state of shock. It still hasn't sunk in, to be honest."

The couple now plan to work on their house as well as buying Mr Silcox, a builder, a new van. They also hope to go on another holiday soon.