LOTTERY winner Jenny Cooper retur-ned to work yesterday - the day after telling the world about her family's £2.4 million windfall.

Mrs Cooper stepped through the school gates at Kemys Fawr Infants, in Pontypool, to a great welcome from pupils and staff.

The 49-year-old deputy head teacher, from Cwmbran, said her head was still in a spin following the unexpected scoop. She said she just wanted to get back to the job she loves and restore some kind of normality to her life.

And Mrs Cooper told the Argus it would be a huge wrench if she was to leave her job for a life of luxury.

"We've been advised to just chill out and let it all sink in. But at the moment I don't want to leave at all. I love the kids and I love my job," she said.

The excited Year One pupils in Mrs Cooper's class were delighted to see their millionaire teacher return to the classroom, and bombarded her with questions about her amazing win.

And colleagues at the school showed no sign of jealousy towards Gwent's latest millionaire.

Mrs Cooper added: "Everyone has been fantastic. They are thrilled to bits for me."

Head teacher Marion Davies received a call from Mrs Cooper on Sunday night, informing her she would not be able to come to work on Monday as she had just won the lottery and was planning to go public.

Mrs Davies said: "I was thrilled for her but I forgot to ask how much she had won. Jenny is a bit of a worrier and this has taken all those worries away. "They are a delightful family."

Mrs Cooper and her husband Gareth, 54, a retired factory worker, hit the jackpot in last Wednesday's lotto draw with a lucky dip ticket.

The couple and their 17-year-old daughter, Hannah, are now thinking of ways to enjoy their fortune, with a new car, house and family holiday high on the agenda.

Her pupils suggested she buy a pink sports car, lots of sweets and a house with a swimming-pool and disco for their benefit.