A FORMER dinner lady has been served a massive surprise after scooping £25,000 on a charity lottery.

Kathleen Lane from Gravesend won the life-changing amount in the Kent Air Ambulance Superdraw with lucky numbers 7, 22, 30 and 33 on May 12.

The 76-year-old has been playing the lottery for six years and says she thought it was a joke when she was given the news.

She said: “I’m shocked, I can’t believe it but I’m so pleased. When I joined the lottery I never dreamed I would win, especially this amount of money.

“It still hasn’t really sunk in but seeing it in writing on the cheque makes it a little bit more believable.”

Mrs Lane toasted her big win with a glass of her favourite Jacob’s Creek wine and a celebratory meal with her twin daughters Janet and Jenny, 43.

She says she is now looking forward to a rosier retirement with the money.

Mrs Lane, of Valley Drive, used to work as a dinner lady at Whitehill Primary School in Sun Lane and now helps at Gravesham Volunteer Centre in Windmill Street.

She said: “I think the air ambulance is one of the best charities going because they’re on the spot whenever you need them.”

Last year, the Air Ambulance lottery raised £845,000 for the charity which needs £1.7m a year to keep the helicopter flying.

For more details call lottery manager Lynne Mitchell on 01622 833833.