A NEW lottery launched in Taunton Deane and West Somerset today (Tuesday) gives punters a one in 50 chance of winning a prize.

The Somerset West Lottery, jointly set up by West Somerset and Taunton Deane Borough Councils, has a jackpot of £25,000 and several smaller prizes.

Good causes in the two districts will benefit from the weekly game, which was launched at the Council Chamber, in Williton, and the Albemarle Centre, Taunton.

 

From every £1 ticket sold, 60p will go to charities, voluntary organisations and other good causes that work in the area.

Good causes which want to benefit from the lottery and anyone wanting to buy tickets from June 13 can register here.

 

Cllr Catherine Herbert, Deane Deputy Mayor, said: "This is a very exciting day because it's all about our local charities, the voluntary sector and not-for-profit organisations, and making it easier for us to support the Taunton Deane community with the Somerset West online lottery."

Cllr Bruce Heywood, chairman of West Somerset Council, said: "This is an excellent way that we can all support good causes that do so much for West Somerset."

The Somerset West Lottery first draw is on Saturday, July 29.

From each £1 ticket, 60p goes to local good causes, 20% goes to the prize fund, and the balance meets running costs and VAT.

Players have a 50 to one chance of winning one of the prizes, which range from the £25,000 jackpot to three extra tickets.

The lottery management company, Gatherwell, has been appointed to run the scheme, having already launched similar lotteries elsewhere.

Ben Speare, Gatherwell's managing director, said: "We are delighted that Gatherwell has been awarded the opportunity to run the new Somerset West Lottery.

"We're looking forward to helping support Taunton Deane and West Somerset local causes in partnership with Taunton Deane Borough Council and West Somerset Council.”

The first good cause to sign up to benefit from the Somerset West Lottery is Engage.

The charity’s chief officer, Katrina Midgley, said: “We were keen to support the lottery not only for the benefits it can bring to us as a charity and our work but also for the benefit it will bring to the area of Taunton Deane and West Somerset.

“For small charities, getting this money is going to make a lot of difference, and will go a long way.

"We'd encourage other local good causes to sign up. All you have to do is commit to spreading the word about your own lottery page and reaching a minimum of 20 ticket sales."