CHARITIES and community groups around the county are counting down to the first draw of The Essex Lottery.

A community lottery, the first of its kind in Essex and biggest nationally, has been set up by Essex County Council to support the fundraising efforts of good causes across the county.

Players can buy as many tickets as they wish, costing £1 each per week, and can choose their own numbers.

Players must match all six numbers in the correct order and residents can win up to £25,000, with nine guaranteed winners each week.

The first weekly jackpot prize of £25,000 will be available after the first draw on Saturday, November 25, along with guaranteed weekly prizes.

Half of the £1 ticket price will go direct to the player’s chosen cause, 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.

Players will be able to select the good cause they wish to support from those registered on the website.

A ticket for the Essex Lottery costs £1, of which 60p will go directly to good causes.

One chosen cause which will benefit from the lottery is Witham Luncheon Club.

Karen Dillane who runs the Witham Luncheon Club said: “Our lunch club meets three times a week and in addition to a hot meal, retired residents from Witham have the opportunity to get together and socialise in a safe, relaxed and friendly environment.

"We hope that by being part of the Essex Lottery and we can boost our fundraising so we can keep the club going in the future.”

The first draw takes place on Saturday 25 November.