A university student has vowed to continue her studies after scooping a £3m Lotto jackpot.

Sarah Cockings, 21, from Whitley Bay, who is studying for a degree in Social Work at Northumbria University, plans to splash out on a convertible Mini.

She said a "funny feeling" on Saturday led her to pick six numbers rather than her usual Lucky Dips.

Miss Cockings placed them at her local Post Office, in Whitley Bay, where her younger sister Alex, 18, works.

Turkish holiday

She said: "I have been saving up to buy a car so I can get from mum and dad's house to the university and was searching on the internet for something small and cheap.

"It was while doing that I got a text from my boyfriend reminding me to check my numbers so I checked online."

The couple plan to go ahead with their pre-booked holiday to Turkey.

She said: "I still can't grasp how much money there is but I intend to carry on studying.

"I still want to achieve something that money can't really buy."