What would you do if you won millions on the lottery?

This age old question is constantly debated in homes and pubs across the nation.

Travel the world? Buy your dream home? How about a brand new sports car?

Richard and Sue Stebbings, who live near Beccles, have done all this and much more since winning £5.6m on a Lucky Dip ticket when playing The National Lottery in 2010.

Mrs Stebbings, 51, who was working at Asda in Lowestoft, bought the £2 ticket from the store at the end of her shift.

The purchase initially annoyed her husband, who was working as a maintenance man at Blundeston Prison following 24 years in the Royal Navy, as she had spent an unnecessary £1 on an extra line.

However this annoyance soon faded when checking Teletext before work the next day.

Mrs Stebbings said: “I saw the first three numbers and thought ‘oh I have won a tenner’ then I saw the rest.

“I turned it off and checked again and just kept thinking this can’t be right.”

She ran to wake her husband and two children who rechecked the ticket.

The family had won £5,629,964 on a Lotto double rollover jackpot.

Mrs Stebbings added: “I just couldn’t believe it.”

First order of business was a dream family holiday to the Maldives and since then the fun has rarely stopped.

The couple, who have been married for 28 years, have enjoyed six holidays a year since the win, travelling to destinations like Mexico, Australia, and Cape Verde.

Prior to the win they were two years away from paying off the mortgage on their Oulton Broad home – the lucky duo have since moved to a large house complete with swimming pool, hot tub and a bespoke gate emblazoned with their winning numbers in gold.

The couple have both since retired and spoke of the freedom the win has afforded them and change in lifestyle.

During his time in the Navy Mr Stebbings would be away from his family for six months at a time but can now spend endless quality time with his loved ones.

Mr Stebbing, 54, said: “We went from shift work or nine to five to literally being thrown into the spotlight and appearing on things like GMTV.”

“Now we can do what we want when we want.”

The best part of winning . . .

Since winning millions Richard and Sue Stebbings have made sure to invest their money wisely.

Namely in property - they have renovated 20 houses and bungalows which they currently rent out.

This savvy approach means the pair still has around £5.6m in the bank even after years of living the high-life.

And while they have splashed out on Range Rovers, Jaguars and BMWs the couple say the best thing the win has allowed them to do is prepare their children for the future.

Their two children, Victoria 27, and Charlie, 25, were both given houses following the win and money with which to invest.

Mrs Stebbings said: “It’s been great to help the kids out so they don’t have to worry, I’ve loved it.”

Charlie, who completed a four-year mechanical engineering apprenticeship following the win, praised his parents approach.

He said: “Mum and dad are sensible so wanted me to keep working. They have worked so hard all their lives so it’s good to see them enjoying themselves and getting a break.”

Where does the money go?

Since its first draw on November 19, 1994, The National Lottery has created 5,000 millionaires winning £13.3 billion between them.

Research conducted by The National Lottery has uncovered the overwhelming generosity of these winners - with many looking to support children and grandchildren for years to come.

Almost half of winners, 47pc, say giving to others has provided the most happiness since their big wins.

While 89pc of these gifts have come in the form of cash there have been many other ways winners have chosen to treat those around them; 63pc of gifts were holidays, 49pc cars and 40pc were houses.

In recent years university fees have featured as a popular gift with winners helping others prepare for their future.

Research also revealed due to generous financial gifts the 5,000 millionaires have created a further 1,750 millionaires.

However it is not just close friends and family which benefit from the lottery wins - 88pc of winners donate to charity and a further 78pc choose to volunteer.