Ian Black, 61, had just finished his night shift and was driving home.

His regular routine would be to stop and buy a paper - but on this particular day there were road-works outside the store where he would normally call.

Ian thought it would waste too much time and almost decided not to stop,however something inside his head told him to brave the road-works and stick to his usual routine.

Ian said, “Something was just telling me to buy it.

“I went out of the shop and sat and scratched it – I just could not believe what I was seeing. I let out a scream and immediately drove home.

"As I went into the house I was shouting to my wife, Sandra, to come down the stairs. She immediately thought something had happened to the dog. I said no, we have won £2M."

LUCKY: Ian won the money on a National Lottery Monopoly Deluxe scratch card

“She just thought it was all a joke – but then she looked at the card and almost fainted. Sandra just went white.

“To think I almost didn’t go into the shop on that morning because of the road-works. I really was so close to just driving past.”

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Ian and Sandra, 55,will use the winnings to pay for an operation on their Labrador/Staff rescue dog Meg.

HAPPY: The pair will first get an operation for their rescue dog Meg

Buying a plot of land in the countryside and building their dream home, complete with a man cave for Ian, is also high on the list of priorities for the couple.

Ian and Sandra have five children and 10 grandchildren who are all currently living in rented accommodation.

Helping their children to get on to the property ladder is also among their plans.

Ian, who worked at Pirelli Tyres, immediately handed in his notice at work and he and Sandra, a retired care worker, are now looking forward to living the retirement they had always dreamed of.

WINNER: Ian and Sandra Black celebrate with their cheque

Ian added, “I don’t think I have even seen that many zeros. I kept questioning, is this really £2million? I immediately phoned work and said to them I wouldn’t be in that day … adding, actually I don’t think I will be in this week, or actually ever again!

“My boss, understandably, sounded really shocked and just said why, what an earth has happened? That feeling when I could just say …. I have won the National Lottery is a moment I will never forget.

“Never did I believe I would ever get to say this. You always dream about it – but it just doesn’t happen to people like Sandra and I – well now we are proof it does!”

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Ian, a Carlisle United football fan and keen rugby fan, says he now cannot wait to jump on a first-class train to the Twickenham without even having to think about the cost!

A new Volvo for Sandra and a 75-inch television to enable him to fully relax watching the football are also likely to be among the first purchases.

Ian continued, “It is all just so overwhelming and I actually think the news is still sinking in.

“Sandra and I now cannot wait to really live the dream and make the absolute most of our retirement! What a magical moment this is in our lives!”

Ian bought the winning National Lottery Scratchcard at the Spar Euro Garage in Wigton Road, Carlisle.