LOCAL groups that have benefited from taking part in the district council’s Forest Lottery are celebrating the growing success of the scheme, with almost £50,000 raised for good causes in 2021.

The Forest Council says the lottery, which was launched in 2019, continues to go "from strength to strength", with in excess of £46,000 raised to support local organisations in the last year.

Through the scheme, which gives players the chance to win up to £25,000 every week, 60 per cent of every £1 ticket purchased goes directly back to support a range of causes in the district.

The number of tickets purchased in the last 12 months has risen by almost 50 per cent, and player numbers have increased by around a third.

And as player numbers have increased, so has the money raised for the community "and the causes that are dear to so many."

Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Richard Leppington, said: "The continued success of the Forest Lottery is a huge achievement for the whole Forest of Dean community and the results that have been achieved in the past 12 months show just how much residents want to support causes that directly benefit people in their area.

"Having started the Forest Lottery in 2019 it’s especially pleasing to see the number of local causes choosing to join continue to increase and we hope to have even more on board in 2022. 

"I’d like to thank everyone who currently participates and would encourage all that are interested to sign up and get involved. Let’s make 2022 an even bigger year for the Forest Lottery."

More than 70 local causes are now involved in the scheme, including Forest of Dean Dog Rescue, which has seen over £2,000 raised through the lottery in the last year alone.

Treasurer at the rescue, Maggie Marshall, commented: "The Forest Lottery is a safe and easy way for us to continue to fundraise, despite the challenges faced during the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.

"It gives our supporters a chance of winning a significant prize, as well as helping us to continue the work we provide to the community.

"Fundraising is our main source of income here at Forest of Dean Dog Rescue and the money raised through Forest Lottery tickets helps us to pay for food and vet care for animals, as well as providing the players themselves with a bit of fun."

In the last 12 months, there have been 140 cash prize winners through the scheme, totalling £14,250.

One prize winner was The Rewild Project leader Scott Bane, who donated his £2,000 winnings back into his project.

Regarding his prize win, Scott said: "It’s incredible to have won and I’m so happy to have been able to put this money back into The Rewild Project.

"The Forest Lottery is an easy and great way to give back to the community and the money has been, and will continue to be invaluable in helping The Rewild Project offer more open access sessions, free for anyone in the Forest of Dean."

To sign up, go to www.forestlottery.co.uk.