A HOSPICE charity which helps hundreds of people in Swindon and Wiltshire joined the Local Hospice Lottery.

Jessie May Children's Hospice at Home is one of 23 charities which will benefit from a weekly draw held by the country's largest lottery for hospices. The Local Hospice Lottery aims to raise more than £250k over the next five years.

Jessie May CEO Chris Roys said: "It is imperative our nurses can continue to support local families and welcome additional children to our growing caseload. As a small charity, we rely on support from the community to fund this vital care free of charge to families. Joining the Local Hospice Lottery is a brilliant opportunity for both Jessie May and our supporters. Working in collaboration with the lottery and its weekly draw involves just one set of running costs, which allows for both a better prize fund for players and more money to be generated in support of hospice care through saving vast amounts of costs.”

One entry into the draw costs just £1 per week and there are 153 weekly prizes to be won, including a £2,000 prize, a £1,000 rollover prize which can reach as high as £25,000, a £100 prize and 150 £10 consolation prizes. There are also two £10,000 Super Draws every year which players are automatically entered into.