It was a week of unexpected windfalls and community celebration as residents across the North East and Cheshire found themselves among the latest lucky winners of the People’s Postcode Lottery. From Newcastle to Runcorn, neighbors woke up to the news that their postcodes had been picked, each ticket netting its holder a cool £1,000.
For those living on Lycroft Close in Runcorn, Cheshire, January 23, 2026, was a date to remember. According to local reports, all residents with the postcode WA7 4YA who were signed up to the People’s Postcode Lottery discovered they’d won £1,000 each. The excitement was palpable, with many sharing their surprise and joy at the sudden boost to their bank accounts. As one resident put it, “It’s not every day you wake up to find out you’ve won a thousand pounds just for living where you do!”
But Runcorn wasn’t the only place celebrating. The North East saw a flurry of winners between January 17 and January 23, as the People’s Postcode Lottery continued its tradition of spreading fortune far and wide. In total, 11 different postcodes in the region were selected for the £1,000 prize per ticket, according to coverage from regional news outlets. Among the lucky streets were Fennel Grove in South Shields (NE34 8TG), Woodhorn Gardens in Newcastle (NE13 6AG), and Sunflower Court in Washington (NE37 2BF), each joining the growing list of communities benefiting from the daily draws.
For many, the win was more than just a personal windfall—it was a moment of shared joy with neighbors. “It’s great to see so many people on our street winning together,” said a South Shields resident whose postcode was among those drawn on January 21. “There’s a real sense of community when something like this happens.”
The People’s Postcode Lottery operates on a simple but powerful premise: players sign up with their postcode and pay £12 per month to be automatically entered into daily draws. Each day, 20 different postcodes are picked for £1,000 prizes, while larger jackpots of up to £30,000 are also up for grabs. The anticipation builds as winners are announced every day of the month, keeping the excitement alive across the UK.
What sets the People’s Postcode Lottery apart from other games of chance is its strong charitable focus. At least 33 percent of every ticket sold goes directly to charity, and the impact has been substantial. Since its inception in 2005, the lottery has raised over £950 million for more than 9,000 charities and good causes, according to the organization’s own figures. This unique model means that even those who don’t win a cash prize can take comfort in knowing their contribution is making a difference.
“Every ticket helps support vital projects in communities across the country,” said a spokesperson for the lottery. “It’s about more than just winning—it’s about giving back.”
The charitable aspect of the lottery has not gone unnoticed by players. Many cite the chance to support good causes as a key reason for signing up, alongside the obvious allure of a potential cash prize. “I like knowing that even if I don’t win, my money is helping someone else,” said a Newcastle winner from Woodhorn Gardens. “It feels like a win-win.”
During the week in question, the North East saw winners from a diverse range of locations. Alongside South Shields and Newcastle, the lucky list included Willard Grove East in Stanhope, Bishop Auckland (DL132YF), Thirsk Road in Kirklevington, Yarm (TS15 9LR), Whin Meadows in Hartlepool (TS24 9NT), Sunderland Road in South Shields (NE34 6AE), Ventnor Road in Middlesbrough (TS5 6DU), Whittonstall in Consett (DH8 9JP), Shafto Bank in Stanley (DH9 6DP), and Southport Close in Stockton-On-Tees (TS18 2LH). Each postcode brought smiles and celebrations to its respective community, with every ticket-holder pocketing £1,000.
The lottery’s daily format and widespread reach mean that winners can be found in towns and cities of all sizes. It’s not just about the big cities—smaller communities and even rural areas regularly see their postcodes drawn. This inclusivity is part of what keeps the People’s Postcode Lottery so popular, as anyone, anywhere, can wake up to find themselves a winner.
For those curious about how to get involved, the process is straightforward. Prospective players simply sign up online, register their postcode, and pay the monthly fee. Once enrolled, they’re automatically entered into every draw, with no need to buy individual tickets or check complicated numbers. If their postcode is picked, the prize is theirs—no strings attached.
Of course, the odds of winning any lottery are always long, but the daily nature of the People’s Postcode Lottery means there are regular opportunities for prizes, both large and small. And with the added benefit of supporting thousands of charities, many see it as a worthwhile investment, regardless of the outcome.
Charities across the UK have benefited enormously from the lottery’s contributions. The funds raised have supported everything from local food banks and children’s hospitals to wildlife conservation and community sports programs. The wide range of supported causes ensures that the impact is felt in nearly every corner of the country, making the People’s Postcode Lottery a significant force for good.
As the winners in Runcorn and the North East celebrate their good fortune, the broader message of the lottery remains clear: sometimes, a simple postcode can change more than just your bank balance—it can bring neighbors together and help build stronger communities. For those who didn’t win this time, there’s always tomorrow’s draw, and the knowledge that their participation is helping others.
With more than £950 million raised for over 9,000 charities since 2005, the People’s Postcode Lottery continues to prove that a little luck, shared among many, can go a very long way.