£30k hope for Breckland Lottery ticket sales

Tens of thousands of pounds could be made for good causes in the first year of a new council lottery, based on initial ticket sales, officials say.

Time is running out for people in West Norfolk to get their tickets ahead of the borough's inaugural draw this weekend.

But Breckland Council chiefs say they are now selling more than 1,000 tickets a week for the Our Breckland Lottery game, which was launched in March to help raise funds for local charities.

The authority now says that more than 1,000 tickets a week are being sold for the game, with over half the proceeds of ticket sales going to charity.

And they say that could generate around £30,000 for participating causes if current sales are maintained.

Paul Claussen, the council's executive member for place, said: "We are really excited to be able to offer this type of fundraising opportunity to our local charities and community organisations, and hope they take advantage of it.

"The great thing is, not only are players supporting worthwhile local good causes with every £1 ticket bought, but they are also in with a chance of winning a significant cash prize, so everybody wins.”

Half of the £1 cost of each ticket goes to a participating charity nominated by the player with another 10 pence going into a central fund. The rest is made up by prizes and administration costs.

Although no-one has yet scooped the lottery's top prize of £25,000, the council says 117 players have won prizes, ranging from free draw tickets to £250, since the game's initial draw in March.

Additional prizes, including tickets to local attractions will also be offered for the draw on June 30, to mark three months since its launch.

The inaugural draw for West Norfolk Council's lottery, West Norfolk Wins, will be made this Saturday, May 26.

Officials say around 700 tickets have so far been sold with the most popular causes so far including the West Norfolk Deaf Association, the West Norfolk Swimming Club, Marshland Hall, West Norfolk Riding for the Disabled and the Purfleet Trust.