Lotto winner: Battle boy wants to stay in the town

As well as growing up in the town, attending Battle and Langton School and Claverham Community College, many of Matthew’s family are still based in the area.

His mum Sandra lives in Battle, whilst his older sisters Sheree and Lisa live in Battle and Hastings.

Matthew currently lives in a one-bedroom rented council flat in the town, but says he plans to buy his own house as soon as possible, preferably with a cinema and games room.

He told the Observer: “I would like to stay in Battle, but time will tell.”

Matthew worked out of the Marley Lane Business Park for a while and up until his £17.8m windfall he was working as a lorry driver for Rother Cartage, based at Whitesmith.

He was delivering aggregates for the company when he found out about his win.

A spokesperson for the company said: “Everyone at Rother Cartage is extremely pleased to hear that Matt has won £17.8m on the National Lottery.

“Matt has worked for us for a number of years and has always been a popular and hard-working member of staff.

“Rother Cartage would like to wish Matt and his family all the best for the future.”

Matthew enjoys socialising in Battle and used to play in a darts team at the now closed 1066 pub and at the Kings Head.

Gary Honeysett, chairman of the Battle Chamber of Commerce, used to play darts with Matthew and has known him for around 12 years.

He said: “He’s easy going and a really nice chap.

“I’m really pleased for him.”