THIRTY-FIVE years of playing bingo has paid off for a 75-year-old woman from Swindon.

The former Garrard factory worker scooped more than £51,000 on the National Bingo Game, played at the Mecca Club.

The winner, who has asked not to be identified, intends to share the winnings with her fellow bingo-playing friend.

She said: "We have been friends since we were ten years old and share whatever either of us wins. This time will be no different," she added.

Still in shock at her new found wealth she said: "It was such a surprise when they announced how much I had won. It still hasn't sunk in yet."

As well as claiming the National Bingo Game prize of £50,000 she also won the regional prize of £1,070.

The National Prize was £100,000 but she had to share it with a woman in Gateshead, who also completed a full house in 38 numbers.

The win is the fourth in five months for Swindon's Mecca Club on the National Bingo Game with the £100,000 jackpot going to a winner in July.

Kai Howard, manager of Mecca Bingo in Regent Circus said: "The lady who won has been playing for years and she comes in regularly. She and the other lady must be very good friends."