WARRINGTON has been named in the top five luckiest places to live after it was revealed that 43 lottery hopefuls have hit the jackpot - earning them the millionaire title.

But that's not all - a total of 440 winners living in the WA postcode area have also struck gold with prizes topping £50,000 since the National lottery was launched 20 years ago.

These figures place the postcode fourth in terms of big National Lottery prize winners based on population statistics for the area.

This year, Warrington's lucky streak has hit the headlines with nine lottery winners hitting the jackpot during the past 12 months.

Head of winner services at Camelot, Andy Carter, who is tasked with breaking the good news to winners, revealed 'no two reactions are ever the same'.

He said: "Sometimes they are sat there on their own as they haven't told anyone because they are still in shock while others are in the midst of a party.

"Reactions vary enormously to such a life changing event, I don't think you can beat screaming and jumping up and down on the spot - that's what I would do."

After eight years in the job, breaking the news is just as exciting as it was on the 41-year-old's first day.

But in Warrington he says it is clear that there is a real sense of community which gives people the confidence to come forward.

He added: "Warrington is a town with tremendous community spirit that has seen many winners over the last 20 years.

"The friendly nature of the town means that people feel comfortable sharing their news, and once somebody shares news of their win, others are encouraged to be part of such an exclusive club."

Grandfather-of-four Allen Austin is the latest winner to enjoy a turn in good fortune after scooping a cool £71,735 in the Lotto draw in November.

He follows five lucky residents who each claimed £200,000 in the People's Postcode Lottery in October.

Simon Rustage saw his fortune changes for the better in October when his scratch card earned him a whopping £250,000 every year for the next 15 years.

His colleagues were also celebrating earlier in the year when a syndicate of six at Norbert Dentressangle won £1.7m in the main Lotto draw.

Orford couple Michael and Margaret Sampson had plenty to celebrate after matching five numbers plus the bonus ball in the Lotto Quadruple Rollover in January, scooping up £585,956.

Do you feel lucky to live in Warrington? Share your stories by tweeting @warrringtonnews or e-mailing lauren.hirst@nqnw.co.uk.