AFTER eight years working alongside Justine Laycock at estate agents Cain and Fuller her workmates were staggered to learn that she could now afford to buy every property on display in their front window.

Colleagues erupted into applause, then broke down in tears of joy as Justine appeared live on television to announce her record £56million lottery win.

Justine, 41, had worked at estate agents Cain and Fuller as a sales negotiator for eight years but confirmed this week she would not be returning to work.

Director Matthew Fuller found out of his employee’s £56million lottery win on Sunday evening and broke the news to shocked staff when they arrived at work on Monday morning.

He also told them that their EuroMillions lottery syndicate, of which Justine was a member, had won nothing.

Mr Fulller closed the office on Monday morning but spoke to the Standard as Nigel and Justine were making their announcement at the press conference in Bath just after midday.

Staff clapped and cheered as the couple stepped into the spotlight but several were soon moved to tears of joy as Justine spoke of their experience.

Michelle Foley has worked alongside Justine during her eight years at the firm and had become close friends.

They even went to the McColl’s store on Dyer Street on Friday to buy an extra ticket each for the draw, promising each other that they would take care of each other if either ticket won. The winning ticket was purchased by Nigel on his online account.

Michelle told the Standard that she was excited for Justine but also worried for her because of the size of the jackpot win.

"They are very down-to-earth and a genuinely nice couple," she said. "Both would do anything for anybody."

Alison Best, who also works at Cain and Fuller, described as a good laugh, the life and soul of the party and always in a good mood.

She said: "It’s really hard to think she’s not going to be here because we have worked together for so long."