Tony and Elaine Taylor have revealed for the first time the problems caused by their huge £9.4 million Lottery win.

And the Queensbury couple believe that jackpots are too high.

Mr Taylor, 59, a former toxic waste consultant, said he is only now learning to cope with the massive 'culture shock' of becoming an instant multi-millionaire in August 1997.

And his wife Elaine, 54, says her heart sinks at news reports of multi-million pound winners.

"I am always relieved when a syndicate has won and maybe got £1 million each,'' she said. "We think jackpots are too high. People don't understand the horrendous problems you go through.

"I wouldn't go as far as to say I wish we hadn't won it, but we have had problems over the year - it would have been better for us if we had won less. It's a lot of money."

They both admit they have found great difficulty in adjusting to a life of retirement after their massive win.

Mr Taylor, who at one point considered seeking psychological help to adjust to his new life, added: "We're just family people who came into a lot of money.

"It's too much money to even think about because it is making money all the while.

"I am only now beginning to feel more comfortable with my life and getting used to it."

They moved to a farmhouse in Queensbury a year ago from Barkisland, near Halifax, and they have lived with builders for the past 12 months.

Their home has now been completely revamped and new outbuildings created, at a cost of £750,000 complete with state-of-the-art security systems.

The big-hearted couple have been keen to share the benefits of their multi-million pound win, giving generously to their son Martin, 27, and 18-year-old daughter Leah.

They have also treated friends to a luxury weekend at London's famous Dorchester hotel.

But the spending has barely dented their huge fortune.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.