Ref. 257480-7INVESTING £2.40 in a strip of bingo tickets has left a Swindon woman £101,000 richer.

Now Lisa Willoughby, 32, of Park South, plans to pay off her mortgage, make some investments and take husband Ian, 37, and children Mirinda, 12, and four-year-old Aaron to Florida for a fortnight.

Lisa, who won at the Mecca bingo hall in the town centre, has been playing for eight or nine years.

Such is her enthusiasm that she works in a bingo hall herself Gala at Greenbridge but company rules mean staff cannot play there.

Her jackpot came during a national game involving players throughout the country.

She said: "Every Mecca club in the country takes part there are dozens.

"The numbers are generated at head office and then sent to each club."

Lisa said it took about half-an-hour from her calling house until it was announced that she was the big winner.

She said: "It took a couple of days for the news to sink in. The biggest win I have had before was probably about £300, and that was a few years ago.

"Now we're going to pay off the mortgage and take the kids to Florida for a couple of weeks later this year.

"We'll probably also invest some of the money and then just enjoy it."

Lisa is keen to dispel the stereotypical image of bingo halls as shabby places.

She said: "Bingo has changed over the years, and is a good evening out in high-quality surroundings."

Mecca manager Kai Howard said he was delighted by Lisa's win, which was the biggest since a customer walked away with £115,000 about two years ago.

He said: "People should give bingo a try over a typical weekend, most of our customers are in their 30s, and bingo is one of the fastest-growing pastimes and is a unique experience."

Players visiting a bingo club must be at 18 years-old or over.

They should also be a member of the club.

Membership can be arranged at the chosen club, but according to the rules a person must be a member for at least 24 hours before they can begin playing.

As well as the regular national games with large prizes, there are smaller games with less money to be won but a greater chance of winning.

Anybody wishing to join should simply call at their local club.