LEE Briers paid a surprise visit to a couple who have collected an estimated £200,000 for Warrington Wolves through the club’s lottery.

Ellis and Doreen Jones have been collecting for the club’s lottery since the 1970s and in that time have brought in around £200,000.

The Orford couple are set to enjoy a well-earned retirement from collecting and Warrington Wolves legend Lee Briers paid a surprise visit to their home on Willis Street on Friday to thank them for their efforts.

He said: “They’re invaluable, they’ve done years of service and probably collected £200,000 over the years.

“In times when the club was struggling in the late 90s and early 00s the money they brought in was invaluable.

“You can’t put a number on it because without people like them the club would’ve definitely folded and we’re so grateful.

“You probably don’t see the work the fans do in the background as a player but it’s really humbling to see two characters like this – it’s fantastic.”

The pair met at Penketh Tannery in 1949 and have been watching the Wire together ever since.

Ellis, 86, was delighted that Lee had been to visit them.

He said: “It’s wonderful, it’s a real pleasure because he’s given us enough pleasure over the years and he’s been a joy to watch.

“I took over from a guy in his 80s and I’m 86 now, it must be about time I retired.

“I didn’t realise how long I’d been doing it – time goes on and you don’t realise it.

“I will miss it, I’ve enjoyed doing it and met some very nice people.

“They’re really nice people, you get to know them and their families and I shall miss it.

Former halfback Briers says he hasn’t yet had any success on the lottery despite playing for 20 years.

He added: “I’ve never won myself over 20 years of putting a pound in each weeks, but you’ve got to be in it to win it so hopefully in the next 20 years I’ll win.”