AFTER six weeks the new Bolton Hospice Lottery already means Happy Families in the borough.

The weekly fundraiser has brought cash prizes for more than 100 families in the Bolton area -- and a vital cash boost for the hospice.

Lottery manager, Louise Ashworth said they had been "surprised and delighted at just how much support is out there for the work we do".

She added that there had been winners from all over the area, and that many people who had joined the scheme had no previous contact with the hospice before the Lottery began.

It costs just £1 a week to take part and, added Louise, "the comments I hear the most are 'It's for such a good cause and such a great idea'."

And it is not just the bigger prizes that delight local people either.

Louise said: "Obviously, it's wonderful to receive a cheque for £1,000, but a lot of people have been just as delighted to win £10.

"In fact, when I spoke to one lady, it was as though she had won £1 million she was so excited!"

All the profits from the Lottery go directly to the hospice to be spent on patient care and facilities. The hospice and new day unit off Chorley New Road cost £1.3 million a year to run.

Anyone wanting to join can send either a cheque or postal order for £5, £13 or £26 for the corresponding number of weeks. Also send your name and address to: Bolton Hospice Lottery, FREEPOST NWW5884A, Bolton BL1 4ZZ.

Cheques and postal orders should be made payable to Bolton Hospice lottery Ltd. Players should be 16 years of age or over and the Lottery office can be contacted on 01204 383467.