A couple who became multi-millionaires through the National Lottery are turning their new luxury Queensbury home into a retreat for disabled children.

Tony Taylor, 58, and his wife Elaine, 53, scooped a £9.4 million jackpot last August.

They have moved from their family home in Greetland, Halifax, to a farmhouse in Queensbury.

And they are now building stables and a swimming pool there so they can spend the rest of their work-free lives helping disabled youngsters.

Mr Taylor said they had spurned an extravagant winners' lifestyle because he had been touched by the kindness shown by disabled children when he was working.

"Many, many years ago I used to be a service engineer," he said.

"I repaired machines in schools. I packed the job in because of the disrespect of the kids who would run off with my tools.

"But I never had a problem in a school for disabled children. Some of the other kids were surly, miserable, looking for a fight. The disabled kids would come to talk to you and I would really enjoy it.

"I always said, if I had the chance to repay that I would do."

The couple, who have two children Martin, 25, and Leah, 18, plan to build a 16-metre special pool and stables on the plot of land surrounding their £273,000 home.

Neither are sure how much the grand idea will cost - but with £10m to spend they are not too worried. Tony estimates it will take about £750,000.

They hope to invite an established group of disabled children to use the facilities free-of-charge when it is finished in about a year's time.

They have not yet decided which group will be able to enjoy the benefits.

Elaine, who worked as an estate agents' receptionist, said: "I can't wait to see the children in the pool and on the horses. It will be lovely to see their faces."

Both say they have found it difficult to give up work, having both worked all their lives but they are looking forward to helping the children enjoy themselves.

"The whole attitude of the farm when we get it sorted out will be fun. I have worked hard all my life. Now it's time to play. It's going to be absolutely beautiful," said Tony.

The couple, who admit to still playing the lottery twice a week, are also embarking on a series of fund-raising events for MacMillan Nurses.

Elaine said: "We got a lot of letters from charities asking for money. This one stood out because they didn't ask for money - they asked for help."

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