A CARNO shop-owner is celebrating after winning a £10,000 prize as a reward for delivering exceptional service when it comes to selling National Lottery games.

Matthew Jones, who owns the SPAR shop at Carno's Old Village Hall, said the windfall came as a surprise when he was told by his Camelot sales rep.

The National Lottery is renowned for handing out big cash prizes, but it is not as widely known that operator Camelot also rewards its retailers with cash prizes for sterling work.

Matthew was unaware he had been entered into the draw, and was left speechless when he found out he had won.

“I was really shocked to find out I’d won,” he said.

“I didn’t even realise I’d even been entered into the prize draw, so it was definitely a great surprise.

“I was speechless when I heard the news, and would like to thank Camelot – it means a great deal to my family and me.”

National Lottery retailers are automatically entered into a quarterly prize draw when they achieve high in-store standards for the sale of National Lottery games – such as ensuring the latest Lotto advertising is up in store.

Matthew insists the money will go towards spending quality time with his family.

He said: “After a tough 12 months with the store being extremely busy, we’ve not had much family time – so this will mean we’ll be able to have a lot more time together and some great holidays away.”

Thanks to National Lottery players – and Camelot retail partners selling tickets week in, week out – an average of £30 million is raised every week for good causes across the UK.

More than £1 billion has been distributed to date across the UK to help tackle the impact of coronavirus.