A MOTHER from Redruth is celebrating an early Christmas present after winning £300,000 on a scratchcard bought during a search for the perfect meal deal.

Janice Beare was searching for her favourite lunch when a change of plan led to her buying a Tinsel Trail National Lottery Scratchcard and landing a life-changing festive windfall.

She has already started spreading the joy true to the season of giving after treating family members and helping her eldest daughter replace a washing machine that had broken down and caught fire.

Janice said: “I’ve always loved Christmas, especially the lights, decorations and festive atmosphere, but I think I'm going to love it even more from now on.

“I decided to celebrate with a trip to London for some early Christmas shopping with my mum, although buying a new washing machine for my daughter was actually my first bit of Christmas shopping.

“She called to say hers had exploded and caught fire. Normally I wouldn’t have been in a position to help in a practical way, so being able to say, ‘choose one and I’ll pay for it’ was the best feeling."

The mother-of-five had originally set out to buy a meal deal but couldn't find anything she fancied. Instead, she popped into her local Co-op, where fate appeared to intervene.

“I love a meal deal but there was nothing I wanted in my usual supermarket, so I went into the Co-op instead,” she said.

“While I was queuing, the lady in front of me bought a Tinsel Trail Scratchcard. Given how much I love Christmas, I took it as a sign and asked for one too when I paid for my lunch.

“I’ve won a few hundred pounds from time to time, and I like to think I am a ‘Christmas believer’ so decided to try my luck too. When I revealed the £300,000 top prize, sitting outside in my old Corsa, I was completely stunned and decided I was right to believe.”

Janice said sharing the news with family has been one of the most enjoyable parts of her win. “They’ve called me a ‘jammy thing’ more than once,” she laughed.

“They’re right, I do feel incredibly lucky. I’ve just been getting on with life and then suddenly this amazing thing happens. It’s honestly the best feeling.”

Janice has already fulfilled one long-held ambition by replacing her 20-year-old Vauxhall Corsa with a brand-new car as well as enjoying some festive retail therapy.

She added: “Replacing my old Corsa with a shiny new car has been incredible. I have a number of health challenges that affect my mobility, so having a reliable car and being able to get where I need to go without worrying is life-changing.

“I keep laughing to myself that my search for the right Meal Deal ended up being instrumental in me buying a winning Scratchcard. Literally, all my Christmases have come at once.”

Kathy Garrett, winners’ experience lead at Allwyn, operator of The National Lottery, said: “Congratulations to Janice on this fantastic win. Christmas has definitely come early for her and her family.”