LOWTON fisherman Gary Marland hauled in his biggest catch ever when he netted £54,519 in Saturday's National Lottery draw.

Pleased as he is Gary must deep down be cursing his luck because his lucky dip £1 selection which won him a share of the jackpot had to be shared with 42 other winners.

But 42-year-old Gary is more than pleased with his hefty hand-out after buying his winning ticket at the Texaco filling station alongside the East Lancs Road at Lane Head.

And Gary, a partner in Swinton-based Lewmar Fencing, admits he was a bag of nerves when he checked his numbers on Sunday morning.

"I must have tried phoning at least 42 times from 7.30am until the office opened at 9am. I got through about 20 seconds before it opened," said big Gary, who previous biggest catch was a 26lb pike!

His first reaction was to tell his business partner John Lewis, with whom he set up shop in 1987 supplying fences to councils and schools nationwide.

"I bought butties for all the lads at work on Monday and there's champagne for them when we finish work," said big-hearted John.

And how will he spend his cash? "Well, I'll be speaking to an advisor because I have been thinking of upping my pension and a holiday in Denmark may be in the pipeline for later in the year," he said cautiously, eyeing his refurbished, elderly, long wheel based Land Rover 110. "I've always fancied a Jag but it wouldn't be any practical use to me. I've been so busy at work I haven't even had a chance to celebrate this week but a few drinks will be downed at the end of the week I can promise you."

Gary's winning numbers were 22, 23, 26, 34, 37, 44 and the bonus number eight. But 42-year-old Gary is more than pleased with his hefty hand-out after buying his winning ticket at the Texaco filling station alongside the East Lancs Road at Lane Head.

And Gary, a partner in Swinton-based Lewmar Fencing, admits he was a bag of nerves when he checked his numbers on Sunday morning.

"I must have tried phoning at least 42 times from 7.30am until the office opened at 9am. I got through about 20 seconds before it opened," said big Gary, whose previous biggest catch was a 26lb pike!

His first reaction was to tell his business partner John Lewis, with whom he set up shop in 1987 supplying fences to councils and schools nationwide.

"I bought butties for all the lads at work on Monday and there's champagne for them when we finish work," said big-hearted John.

And how will he spend his cash? "Well, I'll be speaking to an advisor because I have been thinking of upping my pension and a holiday in Denmark may be in the pipeline for later in the year," he said cautiously, eyeing his refurbished, elderly, long wheel based Land Rover 110. "I've always fancied a Jag but it wouldn't be any practical use to me. I've been so busy at work I haven't even had a chance to celebrate this week but a few drinks will be downed at the end of the week I can promise you."

Gary's winning numbers were 22, 23, 26, 34, 37, 44 and the bonus number eight.