A WOMAN from the Bebington area is celebrating after winning the 2,000 pound jackpot on Wirral's newest lottery.

The delighted woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, becomes the ninth lucky winner of the St John's Hospice in Wirral Weekly Lottery.

Each week throughout the year, the St John's Hospice in Wirral Weekly Lottery computer selects at random the 54 numbers which share the 3,000 pounds weekly prizemoney - a top prize of 2,000 pounds, second prize of 500 pounds, third prize of 100 pounds, fourth prize of 50 pounds, 20 10 pound winners and 30 5 pound winners.

Lottery Manager Allan Stewart, who wants to hear from more people willing to act as canvassers or collectors (Tel: 334-0348 for details), says Wirral people are continuing to 'sign up' at the rate of several hundred a week.

Officials at St John's, a registered charity, decided to launch their own local lottery following refusal of an application for National Lottery funds to help meet the £1 million annual running costs of the hospice, which provides invaluable care for the terminally ill and their families.

The winning numbers are published each week in the Wirral Globe. People can join by completing the form at the foot of the winning numbers advert.

Membership of the lottery (open to people aged 16 or over) costs £1 per week for a unique ticket number selected by computer either by paying in advance on a 'block booking' basis or by paying a collector who will call every other week.

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