A COUPLE who run a Darlington newsagents say they have the "luckiest shop" in the town after selling a winning lottery ticket which has made one customer a millionaire.

The One Stop store in Neasham Road has been told by the National Lottery that a ticket sold in the shop has resulted in a substantial prize being awarded.

The recipient of the prize has chosen to remain anonymous, meaning the exact winning amount has not been revealed.

It is believed, however, that the winner claimed at least £1million.

The winning ticket was bought between three and six months ago

The winner agreed the newsagents could reveal the ticket was sold in their shop, meaning they can display a poster telling customers it has ‘made a millionaire’.

Richard Kilday, who runs the newsagents with wife, Lindsey, said he hoped the winner was local.

“I am keeping my eye out for a Ferrari to drive down Neasham Road,” he said.

The couple have been at the store for 16 years and this is the first major winning lottery ticket they have sold.

Mr Kilday, 60, added that displaying the poster in the shop has resulted in a surge of visitors to the newsagent.

“We’ve had more people come into the store as a result of the poster. It has certainly generated extra interest in our shop," he said.

“It has also been great for local businesses like ours to know that this can happen in the area.”

A National Lottery spokesman said: “Winners of all National Lottery prizes over £50,000 can choose to remain anonymous, share their news with a big cheque presentation or agree to retailer publicity, which means we can let a retailer know that they have sold a big winning ticket.

“Retailer publicity allows the store to bask in the halo effect of a big win and to be considered a lucky store.

“Congratulations to the retailer for selling a major winning ticket.”

Only last week, The National Lottery paid out the biggest ever prize won in the game, after someone won £35.1million in the April 6 draw.