LotterySK celebrated its first birthday with the real winners – the good causes who benefit from ticket sales.

Local community groups enjoyed a tea party to mark the anniversary of the local lottery, which has raised almost £72,000 since it was launched by South Kesteven District Council in September 2018.

Representatives from some of the 93 registered causes – including Friends of Sandon and Ambergate, Dementia Support South Lincs, Inspire+ and St Peter's Hill Players – attended, as well as groups ready to join the lottery and raise extra cash.

Almost 100,000 tickets have been sold with 1,000 people playing each week.

Local community groups receive 60 percent of the ticket income and every week there is a chance for ticket holders to win £25,000.

SKDC's Acting Leader, Coun Kelham Cooke, thanked the good causes for their hard work and praised the 'amazing generosity' of supporters.

"Whether you are a volunteer, a charity employee or founder of a charitable organisation, you make our communities kinder and more compassionate," he said.

"Charities like you make our towns, villages and neighbourhoods better places to live and work.

"I am looking forward to seeing and hearing more of what you do and how LotterySK has helped to support your work in what can only be described as challenging times."

Guests were able to share success stories from the past 12 months and ask questions about how they can improve ticket sales.

Friends of Sandon and Ambergate Chair Katie Bennington gave advice to good causes not yet involved, saying: "If you haven't already signed up to LotterySK and you are prepared to do some advertising, my advice would be to go for it. You really have nothing to lose.

"We are just shy of raising £4,000, which is an amazing amount of money for our pupils.

"We work very hard to have positive relationships with school parents, carers, staff, local community members and businesses, and feel this is the key to gaining support and ticket sales on the lottery.

"We have just bought a defibrillator for each site and are looking to upgrade our outdoor play areas with equipment."

Managing Director of lottery operator Gatherwell, Ben Speare, said: "We have never witnessed such a fantastic start to a community lottery. Out of the 62 that Gatherwell manage, LotterySK is in the top five performers.

"The response to LotterySK has been amazing and it's wonderful to see the number and range of good causes benefiting from ticket sales every single week.

"Since the first draw there has been a 52 percent increase in the number of people taking part.

"That is incredible growth and LotterySK should be so pleased with their performance."

Good causes operating in South Kesteven can join LotterySK free of charge and start benefiting from people buying tickets. It is open to all not-for-profit organisations, charities, clubs and school parent teacher associations.

To buy £1 tickets in support of your favourite cause, or to find out more and register your community group, club or charity, click on the red button below.