Millions of Spaniards were glued to their televisions as the country’s cherished Christmas lottery – the world’s richest – distributed a bounty of €2.5bn in prize money.

Spain’s Christmas lottery spread €2.3bn across the country today, money eagerly welcomed by a nation facing 20% unemployment.

Spain is holding its traditional Christmas lottery known as “El Gordo” and handing out €2.3bn in winnings that will be a particularly sweet holiday treat at a time of economic woes and 20% unemployment.