SHE has been playing bingo at Eastleigh's Leo Leisure Bingo Club ever since it opened in 1973.

Now a Hedge End grandmother's "eyes down" perseverance has paid off.

For the 76-year-old has hit the jackpot by scooping more than £20,000 by winning a national bingo game.

The lucky winner, who has asked not to be named, said: "I was in total shock when they told me how much I had won and I could not play the rest of the games.

"I have never had any money or anything new, so this is a godsend."

As well as the £20,000 national prize she won a regional prize of £545 and the house prize of £20, having completed a full house in 47 numbers.

The woman and her 78-year-old husband, who was in the building trade before he retired, have a son and four daughters two of whom live in Australia and 12 grandchildren.

She plays bingo twice a week and recalled her reaction when she discovered that she had a full house.

She said: "I was in such a state that I got a taxi. I would have passed out on the bus.

"I want a new three-piece suite and other furniture as it has always been secondhand in the past."