A wheelchair user took to the ballroom floor of Blackpool Tower and fulfilled her dancing dream after receiving a generous donation from a National Lottery winner.

Lynne Groves, 59, from Chelmsford, scooped £1million on the Lotto Millionaire Raffle in 2016 and, while the grandmother of 11 has treated her nearest and dearest, she has also helped a lady with cerebral palsy buy a specialist wheelchair.

Jane Hambling, 27, had set up a JustGiving page to purchase a wheelchair, costing in excess of £1,000, that would enable her to go ballroom dancing.

She managed to get half the funds she needed and Ms Groves covered the rest.

Ms Groves said: “When I heard that a friend of my daughter’s had managed to raise half the funds for her new chair it was great to be able to step in and make up the difference.

“This has been one of the greatest joys of winning, the ability to help out where I think it’s needed most.

“The lottery has opened many doors, not least getting Jane exclusive access to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom. 

"It’s been an incredible morning and one I hope that inspires Jane to keep dancing.”

Keen dancer Jane has every intention to keep dancing. Decked out in a striking red dress, perfect for the ballroom setting, Jane performed to her favourite tune, putting her new wheelchair through its paces.

Ms Hambling said: “Mum made me go to the first session with my electric chair as something to do and to get out of the house. “After that very first session I was hooked and I still absolutely love it.

“For three years I danced with my electric chair, but as I progressed realised I really needed a manual sports version.

“My ultimate aim is to reach the Nationals and from there compete on the international circuit.

“Being here at The Blackpool Tower Ballroom is a long way from that first lesson in Southend, but I really hope it’s the start of something big for my ballroom career.”

For Ms Groves, a registered carer for more than 30 years, her £1million win has bought so much joy and in so many different guises.

She said: “I believe a lottery win isn’t just about the person who wins but about the people that winner can help.

“I haven’t splashed out on a new car because I didn’t need one but I’ve bought quite a few for the family.”

Welcoming Jane and Lynne to the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, Tower Manager, Kenny Mew, said: “It is fantastic how the National Lottery changes lives – not just for the winners but for the people around them too.

“Hopefully Jane will have created many special memories.”