A Stevenage resident has won a "completely life-changing" sum of money playing bingo in the town centre.

Phil Bacon, a 35-year-old manual and delivery operator, was enjoying a bingo session at Mecca Bingo in Stevenage's town centre on April 1.

With only weeks to go before his wedding, to fiancée Cara-Jane Pallett, Phil won the £50,000 jackpot to help him start married life in style. The happy couple will tie the knot this summer, driving away in a brand new car paid for with Phil's winnings.

Phil is a regular at Mecca Bingo and was enjoying what he thought would be an ordinary night out with his friend when he hit the winning jackpot.

He noticed that he was getting closer to a full house, and initially thought he could win several hundred pounds.

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But as Phil called full house within 16 numbers, he had the jaw-dropping realisation that he had managed to bag the whopping £50,000 jackpot instead.

Speaking after his huge win, Phil said “I couldn’t believe it when I won the jackpot. I never expected to win such a huge amount of money, and I’m still in shock.

"I’ve been visiting Mecca Bingo for a while now and it’s always a great night out, but this is something else. I feel amazing, this has been completely life-changing!”

Tim Perry, general manager of Mecca Bingo Stevenage, said: “Not only is Phil good at matching numbers, but he’s also met his match, and we couldn’t be more excited for the happy couple as they plan their wedding.”