WILTSHIRE’S newest fundraising initiative has officially got off the ground with the first-ever Community Lottery draw taking place and dozens of players already celebrating wins.

The inaugural draw, held on Saturday, June 6, saw 33 winners claim prizes, including one lucky resident from Trowbridge who scooped £250.

But while the prizes may have grabbed attention, the bigger story is the money now beginning to flow to community groups across the county.

Launched by Wiltshire Council, the community lottery aims to help charities, clubs and organisations raise vital unrestricted funding through a simple weekly online draw, and more than 150 good causes have already signed up.

From grassroots sports clubs and village halls to youth groups, lunch clubs and Men’s Sheds, organisations across Wiltshire are already hoping to benefit.

Early projections suggest the scheme could generate an extra £63,000 this year for the organisations currently taking part.

More than 2,000 tickets have been sold with players able to choose exactly which cause their money supports when buying a ticket.

For every £1 ticket purchased, 50p goes directly to the chosen organisation, while a further 10p supports a central community fund that will also be reinvested into local causes.

Wiltshire Council cabinet member for communities Cllr Mel Jacob said the reaction had been encouraging.

“We are delighted with the response to this fundraising initiative from local good causes and members of the public,” she added.

She said organisations had made it clear they urgently needed more core funding and the lottery is designed to provide an extra financial lifeline.

Although the first draw has now taken place, community groups can still register to take part at any time.

The next draw takes place on Saturday, June 13, with tickets priced at £1 each and top prizes of up to £25,000 available.

For more information, visit www.wiltshirecommunitylottery.co.uk