A LUCKY bunch of Preston bookbinders have scooped £178,895 on the National Lottery.

The syndicate -- known as the Upper Class Four -- are all workers at Sanderson's Bookbinders, in Primrose Hill, Preston.

Syndicate leader Janet Finch could not believe her luck after watching the live show on Saturday (January 6) when the team's numbers came up.

The champagne corks popped as the five lottery numbers -- 6, 16, 23, 34, 35, and 40 -- came up followed by the bonus ball 37 -- making a winning ticket.

Janet, 48, said: "I had butterflies in my stomach when I realised we had won. I rang the rest of the syndicate to break the good news, but had to wait until 11pm for my husband to ring from Germany where he is currently working."

Although the syndicate has scooped four £10 cash prizes in the past this is the first time they have had a big win on the twice-weekly national game.

Now the team are planning to treat themselves to posh new cars and holidays abroad while kind-hearted Janet plans to spend some of her winnings on her daughter's forthcoming wedding.