A COLCHESTER woman has found herself �250,000 richer after she won big at bingo in the town.

The woman, who has asked to remain anonymous, was playing the popular game with her friend at Gala Bingo last week when she made the all-important “full house” call.

She scooped a grand total of �250,000 but every player in the club also shared in the success of the “High 5” game’s prize pot - meaning 248 people walked away with more than �500 each.

The winner said: “I am absolutely ecstatic with the win. It hasn’t sunk in yet. I’m going to spend the money on home improvements and a holiday.

“My friend and I have played bingo together at Gala Colchester for 14 years.

“We’ve always dreamed of winning the big one and we always said that we’d split it between us.

“We were so pleased we called on number five and got to share the jackpot with the rest of the club. We won’t stop coming to Gala Bingo though – we love it.

The club’s general manager Steve Riley said: “We’re absolutely thrilled for her.

“Someone from another club called ‘house’ at the same time so we thought the jackpot would be split two ways – but that turned out to be a false call.

“Everyone was so shocked – the players were all looking round in disbelief while the news sunk in. It took a while for everyone to calm down after that.

“The atmosphere was electric. All the players were thanking the winner for helping them win �504 each.”