National Lottery Essex players win more than £2 million

Between Halloween and December 23, the trio took home a combined £2,067,507, securing life-changing prizes on The National Lottery.

Two scooped £1 million each on the EuroMillions Millionaire Maker Raffle on October 31, while the third won £67,507 by matching five numbers plus the bonus ball in the December 23 draw.

A retired man from Thurrock, one of the £1 million winners, said: "I never thought it would be me, but you have to be in it to win it."

A father of five from Chelmsford, who also won £1 million, said: "I didn’t know what to do with myself the week I won... now I’m coming to terms with it, and thinking of all the holidays we can have.

"I still can't fully believe it."

The third winner, a father of two from near Grays, said: "I am very happy, and still in total shock.

"I have always been confident I would win one day, and I would like to use the money to start my own business."

Andy Carter, senior winners’ advisor at Allwyn, the operator of The National Lottery, said: "Three winners from Essex in such a short period of time is very exciting... it must be a lucky place.

"Congratulations to all our winners, and we wish them all the best with their future plans."

National Lottery players raise around £32 million each week for good causes.

Since its launch, more than £52 billion has been raised, supporting projects across the arts, sports, heritage, and community sectors throughout the UK.

Tickets can be purchased and checked in retail stores, online, or via the National Lottery app.

Retail tickets can also be scanned using the app to check for winnings.