A STAGGERING 14 people in the Taunton area have become millionaires after winning the National Lottery since it started in 1994.

And over the same period, a further 178 players in the area have pocketed a prize of £50,000 or more across all National Lottery games.

The lucky Taunton millionaires are among 5,000 six-figure lucky winners nationwide - with 1,000 of those created in the past 20 months at the rate of more than one every day.

And more than 38,800 big winners countrywide have scooped £50,000 or more.

Andy Carter, senior winners’ advisor at the National Lottery, said: "The winners team here at Camelot travel the length and breadth of the country paying out lucky winners every day.

"It is no surprise to me to see how lucky Taunton has been and I’m sure I’ll be back there soon with another giant cheque."

Contrary to popular wisdom most of the National Lottery millionaires in the Taunton area say the best thing about their win isn’t the lifestyle it buys you, but rather the happiness from sharing the cash with family, friends and charities.

They have given gifts such as cash, holidays, cars and houses - and university fees - and in the process creating a further 1,750 millionaires.

Mr Carter added: "After the shock and excitement, nearly all winners first question how they can look after their nearest and dearest.

"In many cases this seems to bring the winners even greater joy than thinking about how they can treat themselves.

"I see first-hand the effect a win can have on the circle of people close to a winner, and this always reminds me that at heart we are a nation that is kind and generous."

So, what would people in Taunton and the rest of the South West do with £1 million?

A survey shows:

  • 56.98 per cent would help out family and friends;
  • 12 per cent would give to charity - opening an animal sanctuary was the most popular altruistic option in the region;
  • 43 per cent would make family members millionaires;
  • 55 per cent would look to life enhancing events compared to 11 per cent who value materialistic items;
  • 59 per cent would want to buy a new home, preferably a country house with a beautiful view, a swimming pool and a large landscaped garden.

Have you won a million - or do you know someone who has? Let us know what you did with the money.