A GRANDFATHER-OF-FOUR from Callands is celebrating after scooping £71,735 in the Lotto draw - after a lack of traffic persuaded him to buy a ticket at the last minute.

Allen Austin, aged 65, was on the way home from working at his family owned truck stop cafe when he decided to pull over at the Spar, on Callands Road, prior to matching five numbers and the bonus ball.

Living with his wife of 44 years, Lynne, 62, Alan admits deciding what to do with the money is a welcome dilemma but hinted his grandkids will have a Christmas to remember.

"To win is overwhelming, now me and Lynne might buy the caravan home we wanted in Wales and will hopefully see my brother in brother in Brisbane, who I haven't seen for 15 years," he said.

"I am glad I did pull over as had the traffic been worse I probably would not have bothered.

"When I found out that I won, Lynne went back to the Spar straight away and they told us to call Camelot so I had a feeling then that it was a big amount.

"My grandkids will be getting spoilt at Christmas - the older ones have been extra nice to me!"

Celebrating the win at the home of Warrington Wolves, his favourite team, Allen added the Halliwell Jones Stadium is a ground he now hopes to be returning to more often and will be trying his luck at the draw again.

"I have been to a few games here but I want to come here more now - the win allows me to do that," he said.

On being asked if he will still buy Lotto tickets, he replied: "Of course I will be, who knows what can happen again."

Despite winning the tidy sum, the former plumber hopes to stick to normality and aims to limit any major changes in his life.

“I certainly have no plans to give up our truck stop café and Lynne and I will continue working there as we enjoy it so much," he added.

it is the third win in three weeks in Warrington.

Two weeks ago, Simon Rustage won £250,000 a year for the next 15 years on a scratchcard, and last week, five people from Padgate won £250,000 each on the People's Postcode lottery.