A retired midwife from Deal was "lost for words" when she found out she had won nearly £6,000 on the lottery.

Ann White, 66, had signed up to the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance's lottery just five months ago.

The mother-of-two won £5,990 with the lucky numbers 2, 10, 16 and 23.

The monthly pledge of £8 came when a canvasser stopped at her home in October.

The winnings will be spent on holidays to Shetland and Northern Ireland.

She said: “I was shocked and lost for words when I found out I’d won because you just don’t expect it.

'I was shocked and lost for words when I found out I’d won because you just don’t expect it.' - Ann White

"The most I’ve ever won before was £1,000 at bingo a couple of years ago.

“One of the reasons I signed up to the lottery is because my friend’s son was airlifted after a freak accident.

“They rescued him and without the air ambulance he may not have survived. I also used to be a state registered nurse and a midwife so I know about the great work the air ambulance does.”

Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance’s regular lottery costs £1 per week.

There are 12 winners drawn each week with prizes ranging from £25 to £1,000.

For an extra £1 a week, players can join the Superdraw which has a maximum jackpot of £25,000.

To join the lottery go to www.kssairambulance.org.uk/lottery or call 01622 833833.