A Stockton mum has helped her mother to retire early after scooping £50,000 at her local Mecca Bingo.

Joanne Bell, 43, won the jackpot while playing the National Bingo Game on June 18 with her family at the Chandlers Wharf branch.

Ms Bell, a mother of four, had claimed 'house' within the first 16 numbers being called securing her the £50,000 national jackpot on top of the local club prize, to the surprise of many, including her.

"Everyone around me was saying 'you've won the jackpot, you've won the jackpot'. I was like 'No...' Then I looked down at the screen and realised I had...it was just so surreal" she said.

"My mum was planning on retiring next year, but now she's going to retire at Christmas!

"She'll probably treat herself to a few holidays. She deserves it. She's been a proper worker all her life."

She usually attends Mecca Bingo twice a week with her sister and mum.

On the night of the win, her niece had accompanied them and she believes the new addition to the team was her lucky charm.

Ms Bell has chosen to split the winnings with her family and plans to spend her share on house renovations and a holiday.

She revealed that a trip abroad is "definitely on the cards" as she's "never been abroad".

Jess Heron, a caller at Mecca Bingo Stockton, said: "Joanne's jaw was on the floor when she realised she had won the £50,000.

"I even screamed; 'We've won the big one!

"Everyone in the venue was on cloud nine and I've never known an atmosphere like it!"