Charities and community groups are celebrating as the tickets for the new Essex Lottery went on sale

The local lottery, the first of its kind in Essex, has been set up by Essex County Council to support the fundraising efforts of good causes across the county. A ticket for the Essex Lottery costs £1, of which 50p will go directly to good causes, with a further 10p in every pound going to a central Essex Lottery fund, which will be distributed in the form of small grants to a wide range of good cause projects which apply for additional support.

Lottery tickets are available to buy via the website www.essexlottery.co.uk, or by calling 0300 3023232.

The first weekly jackpot prize of £25,000 will be available after the first draw on 25 November, along with guaranteed weekly prizes. Any supporters who buy a ticket for the first lottery will also be entered into a prize draw to win an iPad.

Players will be able to select the good cause they wish to support from those registered on the website. If a player does not select a charity or good cause, 60p in the £1 will be donated directly to the central Essex Lottery fund – more than double the National Lottery charitable contribution.

Good causes can still register their interest with the Essex Lottery at www.essexlottery.co.uk or email essex.lottery@essex.gov.uk  or call 0300 302 32 32