THORNTON animal-lover David Morton, 49, was buying dog biscuits in his local pet store when he made a decision which changed his life.

He popped next door to the Lawsons Road Spar shop to buy an extra National Lottery ticket.

And David's bumper £163,000 lucky dip scoop means that for the rest of their lives his dogs, Ben and Sam, can have as many biscuits as they like. David's two snakes, two chinchillas and bird collection will also get a few extra tasty treats.

And David's wife Janet, 49, can look forward to her dream-come-true Mediterranean cruise.

A former joiner with Manchester City Council, David discovered his good fortune after last week's Wednesday night draw.

"I checked the teletext for the Lotto draw results and thought I had five numbers," says David.

"My daughter Emma, 22, told me to check the bonus ball and I just stood there in disbelief. I must have checked the ticket 10 times before finally going to bed.

"The biggest win I've ever had before was £105 a few months ago, but apart from that I've never even won a bottle of sherry in a raffle.

"I have always told my wife that if we ever came into money I would take her on a cruise around the Mediterranean."

Following surgery a few years ago, David had to retire from work for medical reasons and the family moved from Stretford to Thornton. Some of the winnings from the lucky dip ticket entry will go on home improvements to their two-bedroomed semi-detached bungalow.

David and Janet are also planning a celebration meal with their family to include their six children -- Angela, 28, Keith, 26, Emma, 22, Katie, 21, Anthony, 19, Colin, 14 -- and their four grandchildren.