A CASUAL trip to the shops turned into a life changing experience for a Tetbury couple.

Les West (62) and his wife Charmaine (52) are celebrating a £250,000 win on a scratchcard they bought during the fateful shopping trip.

A highways contractor by trade, Les said it was just a “normal Saturday” for the couple.

“We were going to head to Cirencester but decided to pop in to see my daughter instead,” he said.

“On the way home we popped in to our local shop for some bread and milk.

“We were at the till when Charmaine saw the Navy scratchcard at the counter and commented how lovely it would be to win £250,000, so I said ‘buy one as you never know’.

“It was a spur of the moment decision and on the way back to the car I decided to scratch the card.

“As soon as I saw what it said I started to shake and went as white a sheet.

“I said to Charmaine that we’ve won and she asked if it was a tenner.

“I said higher and she then said £20, £50, £100 and each time I told her it was even higher.

“She thought I was messing around but when I asked her what was the amount she had just dreamt about in the shop she started screaming.”

The ecstatic couple went home and immediately called The National Lottery to claim their prize.

That evening they had a meal with their family to celebrate.

Les said: “It has been an amazing few days. I still haven’t stopped shaking.

“Before the man from Camelot came to confirm everything, we kept the ticket during the day in Charmaine’s purse, and at night I put it under my pillow.

“This win is amazing, it really has taken the pressure off us and although I will still be working over the festive period one think I know is that this will be the best Christmas ever.”

Charmaine and Les have six children and ten grandchildren between them, who the couple are planning on treating with some of their winnings.

They are also planning to buy a new car, book a holiday and buy some treats for all their family.