First ever Pools Triple Millionaire is unveiled!

BRITAIN'S first-ever £3m individual Pools winner was announced by The Football Pools.

In the 87-year history of the Pools, it is the first time that a single winner has scooped a record payout in excess of £3million.

Lucky winner Michael Elliott, from Brechin, in Scotland wrote himself into the history books by spending just a couple of pounds and he was presented with a cheque for £3,001, 511 from The Football Pools by Michelle Robbins, Head of Marketing Communications.

Mr Elliott said: "I cannot believe it.  It is a dream come true.  To say this is a life-changing experience, would be the understatement of the year.

“I have played the Pools for many years and have won three times before although my biggest previous win was £32.

“We are still in a state of shock and it’s going to take a little time before everything finally sinks in.”

Originally from Canterbury, England, Mr Elliott has spent over 20 years serving in the Forces, including spells in Northern Ireland and the Gulf.

He moved to Scotland and has a partner, Kirstina Fairweather (34).

A keen golfer and fishermen, Mr Elliott plans to spend some of his winnings on a bigger boat to go fishing in the Scottish lochs.

Mr Elliott chose ten selections on the Classic Pools, spanning the Scottish, English and Spanish Leagues - and eight came up as 2-2 draws.

His record pay-out was sealed in Clitheroe's 2-2 draw with Fylde in the Evo Stik Premier League on a Tuesday night.

Mr Elliott has Fylde striker Matt Walwyn to thank for netting two late goals in the final 10 minutes of the match played out at Shawbridge in front of 263 spectators.

Jon Sheehy, Director of The Football Pools said: "This is truly an historic moment in the history of The Football Pools in Britain.

"Indeed, 2010 is turning out to be a bumper year for The Football Pools. We have created millionaires north and south of the border already this year.

"Our players have enjoyed some fantastic payouts since we merged Littlewoods and Vernons in 2007 and opened up new channels of play.

"These are incredibly exciting times for all of us connected with The Football Pools and to create a triple millionaire really is fantastic. We are delighted for Michael"

The Football Pools offer a significantly expanded range of games for players. Many take advantage of the increased number of midweek games which are now played

Earlier this year, a then-record £3million pay out was shared by 14 players and Mr John Proudlove also won £1 million.

The first ever Pools double millionaire was Rodi Woodcock, of South London, who scooped £2million in1991.  Nursing sister Margaret Francis and 10 of her colleagues from Devizes became the first Pools ‘millionaires’ in 1986 - sharing a £1,017,890 pay-out.

Now Mr Elliott has written himself into the record books with his £3million pay-out.

For latest offers and to play The Football Pools, call 0800 953 9966 or visit www.footballpools.com

LANDMARK POOLS WINNERS DOWN THE AGES

MICHAEL Elliott is the latest in a long line of record multi-million pound winners in the illustrious history of The Football Pools.

From humble origins in 1923, the Pools have been a national institution and made dreams come true for ordinary people throughout Britain.

The first-ever £100,000 pay-out was made to Mrs E Knowlson of Manchester 60 years ago in 1950.

It was seven years later that the first £200,000 jackpot was scooped by Nellie McGrail of Stockport.

A watershed £500,000 jackpot was paid out for the first time to Mr K Grimes, of Liss, Hampshire, in 1972.

Nursing sister Margaret Francis and 10 of her colleagues from Devizes became the first Pools 'millionaires' in 1986 - sharing a £1,017,890 pay-out.

Five years later in 1991, Rodi Woodock, of South London, became the first £2m Pools millionaire - all for a 54p stake.

"Throughout our history the Pools have transformed the lives of ordinary British people," said Jon Sheehy, Director of The Football Pools.

"The Pools have become a much-loved institution and to look back through the archives of our old photos of presentations to winners it brings back many memories.

"Iconic personalities such as Bob Hope, George Foreman, Shirley Bassey and Tom Jones have all made cheque presentations on our behalf to winners."

"We had our first million pound winner in the eighties, our first two million pound winner in the nineties and to now have our first £3million winner demonstrates just how popular and enduring the Pools continue to be."