Lottery jackpot winners Margaret and David Storey spoke today of their new friendship - with another pair of millionaires.

The couple, who scooped just over £1.4 million in October 1998, say having a friendship with people who have been through the same experiences as them is invaluable.

And the Storeys, who live in Nab Wood, Shipley, were even guests when Simon and Beverley Fullerton-Balentine, who won £1.89 million, got married on the Storeys' wedding anniversary.

The couples met at Camelot's fourth birthday bash in London just after they hit the jackpot and have stayed in touch ever since.

Mrs Storey, 46, who gave up her job as a craft instructor for adults with learning disabilities at Shipley Resource Centre following the win, said: "We've met them at other Camelot dos and have just been to stay with them at their home in Wales.

"We even went to their wedding, which by coincidence was on our first anniversary (on December 5) and they'll be coming up to stay with us next. They're very down to earth people who made their own wedding day special for us.

"They presented us with a bouquet to celebrate our anniversary which really made us feel part of their day."

She added: "They're in the same shoes as us - they know exactly what it's like to win that amount of money and have experienced the same highs and lows.

"Winning that amount of money brings problems with it because a few people, not all, but some, always want what they think they're entitled to and whatever you give them it never seems to be enough.

"Simon and Beverley have had the same and it's just nice to be able to talk to people who know exactly what it's like.''

Mrs Storey, whose Christmas presents to her husband included a pair of socks, said they spent Christmas at home on their own which was just the way they wanted it.

Now she is dreaming of owning her first car after using her winnings to learn to drive.

And she has compared the joy of passing her driving test to that of hitting the jackpot.

Meanwhile she is looking forward to marking the Millennium and David's 50th birthday, which he celebrates on New Year's Day, by jetting off for a holiday in paradise later in the year.

After their win, the couple could buy any car they wanted.

But Mrs Storey says she is not interested in owning a Ferrari or Rolls Royce and has her eyes on a more practical four-wheel drive vehicle instead.

She said: "Passing my test was a similar feeling to winning the money - learning to drive was something I'd always wanted to do but had never been able to afford before so I was absolutely elated.''

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