THE brand new Vale Lottery, launched this month, has had its premier draw and the first four winning numbers have been selected.

The community lottery, which will raise money for projects in Pershore, Evesham and nearby villages, sold 381 tickets in the first month.

The first draw took place on Saturday, March 28, in Port Street square and the winner of the top prize of £156 was Gail Clements.

Second prize won £65 and was ticket number 18, third was number 1080 and won £26 with fourth, number 1148, getting £13.

Ms Clements was delighted to be the first winner.

She said: "I'm over the moon, I can take my husband out for a meal."

Organisers, traders group Real Evesham, are behind the scheme and are hoping it will grow to give people a good chance of winning some cash as well as provide some money for much needed community projects.

Kim Dunn, Russel Theron and Debi Rolls, all from the group, have been the driving force behind the scheme, which is trying to make a difference to the town and the area.

Ms Dunn said: "This is the best project yet, as it grows there will be some serious cash prizes each month, it helps get people into town and into the shops to buy the tickets, and it's also raising some funds for future projects, pop into town and buy your tickets."

The Vale lottery draw will take place the last Saturday of each month, with the next due on Saturday, April 25, in the Port Street Square.

Anyone who would like to sell tickets are get involved with the Port Street Festival on June 14, should contact Kim at the Bonk Skate shop, or Russel at Bengeworth Indy or visit bengeworthindy.org.uk.

The list of the shops selling the tickets:

The Almonry Museum - Vine Street

Birds Eye Sports - High Street

Evesham Green Grocer - Bridge Street

Proper Pasty Co - Bridge Street

Cartridge World - Merstow Green

Vine Mews Gifts & Crafts - High Street

Sunsational Tanning Shop - Port Street

Bonk Skate Shop - Port Street

Plan B Computers - Port Street

The Warehouse - Port Street

Bubbles Launderette - Port Street

Port Street Fruit & Veg - Port Street

Moo Moo's - Port Street

R K Services - Bengeworth

Chadbury Farm Shop - Chadbury

Three Little Pigs - High Street, Pershore

Betty & Dukes - Market Square, Pershore