A RETIRED firefighter and a great-grandmother who have been neighbours for over half a century are celebrating after winning a share of £1m just days before Christmas.

Steve and Maureen, residents of adjoining semis in Whitchurch, each received a cheque for £200,000 in the People's Postcode Lottery.

The winning postcode, RG28 7DB, turned into a Millionaire Street as five neighbours, including Steve and Maureen, each secured a £200,000 windfall.

They both moved to the winning postcode in Whitchurch with their partners in 1970 — when Apollo 13 was launching towards the moon.

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Steve and wife Brenda flitted to the street a week after Maureen and husband Reg.

And the couples have seen their families grow to a combined eight children, 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Steve, who worked as a firefighter for more than 40 years before retiring in 2015, said: "What a beautiful Christmas present! It's a dream come true. You hear of places that win but you never think it'll ever be you."

Next door, Maureen had lots to celebrate as she won £200,000 on her birthday.

She said: "I didn't expect this in a million years. We've got lots to celebrate and Christmas is looking pretty good too. It's marvellous that Steve has won as well. I'm so pleased."

And great-grandad Steve said the win has come at a great time because his car is on its last legs.

Steve served as a watch manager for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, based out of Whitchurch Fire Station.

Maureen had even more to smile about when the Postcode Lottery knocked on her door — because it proved her hubby wrong.

Maureen said: "Reg said it was always up north that won the Postcode Lottery but look at me now."

Reg added: "I told her to quit the lottery... well I'm very happy to be wrong. I need to play it now."

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Steve was delighted to hear that local charities have also benefited. He said: "I love hearing that the community has also got something from our win and the Postcode Lottery is really making a difference."

And one of those charities is Whitchurch Silk Mill which has been awarded £50,000 from players of Postcode Lottery, through Postcode Society Trust.

Other charities in the Whitchurch area receiving funding as a result of today's Millionaire Street prize win include Whitchurch Association (£40,000), Whitchurch Community Swimming Pool (£20,000), Cats Protection - Andover and District Branch (£50,000).