HARRY Russell's dream has finally come true - he can retire at the age of 65 after winning £104,000.

His good fortune arrived on Monday (Feb 15) during a game of bingo and it has meant he can finally turn his back on the Squires Gate restaurant he has run for ten years, buy a bungalow in St Annes and enjoy his freedom with wife Margaret.

Speaking from his home at the Capri Grill, an elated Harry told the Citizen: "I feel like a millionaire. My ambition was always to retire and do absolutely nothing and now I can. It's a dream come true. Margaret had to finish work because of a bad heart and this win has enabled us to retire fully. My daughter Jeanette is now going to run things here and I won't miss it at all. I've always wanted to be lazy."

The number 36, one which he says he will never forget, clinched him the National Bingo Game at the Empire Club on Hawes Side Lane, Blackpool.

Harry is a frequent visitor there, along with the rest of the family, and received a loud cheer from everyone when his number came up.

And it won't be the last time they see his face, either - he's going back for more.

"I'll still play bingo," he said. "It's like a night out for us because of the socialising. You can have a pint and a natter to friends.

"Besides, we're hoping things really do come in threes - there's the National Lottery and I'm going back to bingo this week to have another go."

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