A GROUP of hospital porters have scooped hundreds of thousands of pounds on the lottery.

The 36-strong syndicate, who all work at Basildon Hospital, together won £344,736 in the Euro Millions draw - £9,576 each.

It was only the third week they had got together to buy tickets.

Syndicate spokesman Michael Noakes, 31, from Benfleet, said: "None of us earns a fortune and we are talking about life-changing sums of money here.

"I've got two young children, so they're going to have a very nice Christmas. I know some of the younger lads plan to buy themselves new cars."

He said the news of their win in Friday's draw took a while to get out.

He said: "None of us knew we had won until the following day. The word gradually got around, as everyone called each other to pass on the good news, and we all had a weekend to remember."

Other winners included Pauline Jenks, 54, from Basildon, Tracey Goss, 39, from Thurrock, Kevin Saunders, 30, from Wickford, Andrew Bottjer, 22, from Wickford. The youngest winner is Daniel Gilbert, 19, from Stanford-le-Hope.

The rest did not want to be identified, but some came from Southend and the oldest was 68 years old.

Mr Noakes said: "We're really, really pleased. Everyone who works here is very close and I'm so happy we decided to club together."