We're hoping cheque worth thousands is in the postcode

A GROUP of lucky neighbours in the Capital is about to enjoy a bumper windfall - but no-one knows exactly who they are or how much they might pocket.

The mystery surrounds residents in the EH15 area who play the People's Postcode Lottery, who are in line for a share of a record 2.2 million payout.

Players in the area are guaranteed to win at least 2000 after their postcode came up in the weekly draw.

But a handful of players could win the lion's share - a life-changing sum totalling hundreds of thousands of pounds - if their full postcode is drawn at a star-studded party at Jewel Park on Sunday.

At the last rollover draw, one Thurso couple pocketed more than 800,000 and a crop of the East Edinburgh residents will be hoping luck smiles on them.

And they've every reason to hold their breath as the 2.2 million rollover pot is the largest ever prize fund recorded since the lottery event began in 2005.

Mother-of-one Linda Costello, 36, from Magdalene Avenue is one of the fortunate few sure to be in the money.

"I live in a one-bedroom flat with my partner and 13-month-old child so this money will really come in handy," she said. "My bed is in the living room so the baby can have some space so if I won big I would maybe buy a bigger house for all of us."

Even if she has to make do with the 2000 guaranteed pay-out, she said it will provide extra spending money for an upcoming holiday to Malta.

Lorna Sutherland, 57, another EH15 resident in Bland Drive, has never been abroad and says she could use the money to bankroll her first trip overseas.

"I'm going to treat myself but I don't know what I'm going to do yet," she said, "I only found out yesterday and I was gobsmacked and shocked,"

"It's the only time I have ever won anything - even at the bingo," said the former domestic cleaner at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Violet Brodie, 62, thought she had been victim of a cruel hoax when People's Postcode Lottery chiefs rang to tell her she was a winner.

"My husband does not believe it and will not be convinced until he has the money in the bank," said the grandmother-of-four who lives in Bingham Place. "But it's brightened up my week. If I win a lot I think I will faint!"

The draw, taking place from 11:30-1.30pm at Jewel Park, will decide who, if any, will walk home with big cash.Stacey Solomon, 2009 X-Factor finalist, will be entertain the crowds, while lottery presenters and TV personalities Angus Purden, Jean Johansson and Judie McCourt will take to the stage to countdown to the biggest winners.

Local charities which benefit from the People's Postcode Lottery draw include Children's First, Befriends Edinburgh and Baird House Family Support.

Others include the Scottish Wildlife Trust's 'Manage the wildlife reserve Duddingston Loch' and the Maggie's Cancer Caring Centre at the Western General Hospital.