A HOSPITAL charity has set a target to raise £100,000 in three years through a new lottery.

Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity has teamed up with make a smile lottery as part of a new fundraising plan.

Anyone over 16-years-old can play the lottery for £1 per game each week and will have the chance of winning 16 weekly cash prizes.

They range from £10 to £250 and there is a rollover jackpot of £200 which, if not won each week, accumulates to £10,000.

The Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity helps fund new equipment, improve facilities and initiate medical research projects.

Alex Howe, of make a smile lottery, said the lottery was owned by St Helena Hospice.

Alex said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity into our weekly lottery draw.

“We have 17 years of experience of running a successful lottery operation for charities nationally and are extremely blessed to have the opportunity to expand and work with them. The fact make a smile lottery is owned and operated by St Helena Hospice means all proceeds go back into the charity sector.”

To join the lottery call 0300 303 4500 or visit www.makeasmilelottery.org.uk.

Gift memberships are also available from £10 and can be bought from Colchester Hospital.

The first draw will be held today. on Friday and then every Friday thereafter.