A new community lottery has been launched in Staffordshire to support good causes in the area. The
Lichfield Community Lottery, which was launched online due to coronavirus restrictions, will help raise money for more than 40 good causes from across Lichfield District. The new lottery was officially launched on January 18 by Lichfield District Council. The online event was attended by 50 people from 44 local good causes, including charities, youth groups, sports clubs and conservation groups. The lottery's first draw will take place on 10 April. Players have a 1 in 50 chance of winning one of the prizes, which range from the £25,000 jackpot to three extra lottery tickets. To celebrate the first draw there is also an opportunity to win a luxury hamper, packed with locally sourced treats.

Lichfield Community Lottery to support local good causes
Councillor Ashley Yeates, Lichfield council's Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, said: "
The launch was really exciting as it was our chance to introduce Lichfield Community Lottery to a wide range of local good causes. We are committed to continuing our support of local voluntary and community groups, and this is a good way to spread the benefit to many more groups." Council leader Councillor Doug Pullen, who opened the online launch, said: "
It was a privilege to welcome everyone to the virtual event, and I was delighted so many good causes joined us. We are looking forward to signing up plenty of local groups to Lichfield Community Lottery, as it offers a simple way for them to raise money for their good causes."

Councillor Ashley Yeates during the online launch
The local good causes will be able to set up their own lottery page and receive 50p in every pound spent by players who choose to support their cause. A further 10p in every pound will go to other local good causes from across the district. Causes that want to be a part of the lottery can register at
www.lichfieldcommunitylottery.co.uk. The website is also where residents can buy lottery tickets from 2 March. Regular updates on the progress of the lottery will be posted on the Lichfield Community Lottery Facebook page and Twitter account and at
www.lichfieldcommunitylottery.co.uk