SOME of Lancashire’s biggest lottery winners spread festive cheer at Derian House as they drove their ‘winner wonderland’ bus to the Chorley children’s hospice to hand out gifts.

The real-life Santas included Geoff Bennette, from Rishton, Deborah Mather and Kevin Halstead, both from Chorley.

Former school governor Geoff scooped £3.5 million with a lucky dip ticket in 2011, ex-bus driver Kevin won £2.3 million after spending 17 years driving the 125 route from Bolton to Preston and Deborah Mather won over £5 million after a tarot reading inspired her to buy a lottery ticket in 2005.

Derian House supports more than 300 families who have children with life shortening illnesses and a further 200 who are receiving bereavement support.

Suzy Poppitt of Derian House said: “It was a fantastic day and all the children here had a wonderful time.

“The lottery winners were very, very generous and had liased with us before the event to see if there was anything that we needed.

“They donated a large amount of sensory equipment that would have taken us a long time to fundraise for if we were to buy it ourselves.

“It must have cost in excess of £2,500 and will be so useful to us.

“Sensory equipment is really important and a lot of the equipment they’ve donated is portable and hand held, meaning that we can take them on home visits.”