A RESIDENT from the Colchester area has scooped the top prize of £25,000 in the Essex Lottery.

The top prize was won almost a year after the lottery was first held, with over 3,000 people now playing the lottery each week.

One of ten cash prizes are up for grabs each week, along with 60p from every £1 ticket sold going to charities across the county.

The festive season was made extra special for this lucky person, who wishes to remain anonymous, as they were able to claim their winnings on Christmas Eve.

The Essex Lottery was set up by Essex County Council to support charities and good causes right across the county.

A total of 160 charities are benefitting, covering good causes such as mental health, children with autism, retired police dogs, hospital radio stations and support for survivors of domestic abuse.

The Essex Lottery allows players to choose the charities they wish to support, and funds a grant system which means charities could benefit from a larger lump sum.

David Finch, Essex County Council leader, said: “My congratulations to this jackpot winner and my heartfelt thanks to everybody who supports the Essex Lottery each week.

"Thanks to their support, good causes across the county receive extra funding - and that makes us all winners.”

For those taking part, the weekly draw offers a guaranteed jackpot prize of £25,000 for matching six numbers in the correct order and there are nine guaranteed ‘raffle’ prizes each week.

Visit www.essexlottery.co.uk.