WINS-DAY fever swept through Bolton yesterday as local people fancied their chances to become the first mid-week lottery millionaire.

Major outlets reported a slow start but a busy afternoon and tea-time, with many shops staying open until 7.30pm to cope with the rush.

Asda at Astley Bridge, reported a "massive response" as shoppers queued to enter their numbers for the Wednesday draw.

Brenda Whitehead said: "We have been very, very busy. They are queuing three deep. It was slow to start but it has definitely got off the ground."

Leagate News, Harwood, also reported a marked increase in lottery customers and a spokesman said: "There have been more people coming into the shop than ever before."

Rushton's, who have shops in Harwood and Bromley Cross, also hailed the mid-week lottery a success.

Thelma Patel had her doubts about the mid-week lottery washed away when customers swamped her S&A Newsagents on Chorley Old Road, Bolton.

Mrs Patel said: "Thursday is usually our busiest day as people prepare for the weekend. But Wednesday was a great day for business."

The Post Office, which has the largest number of National Lottery outlets in the country, said that it was "too soon" to tell whether their takings had rocketed.

But the Bolton Post Office on Deansgate had remained open until 7.30pm on a trial basis.

A Post Office spokesman said: "It is really a bit too soon to get figures together but we are expecting it to have been a success.

"The Bolton office was one of 60 nationwide which stayed open for a trial basis for lottery and other business. We had anticipated a lot of customers."

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