The Pembrokeshire Lottery will be giving away its one millionth pound in prize money next week - nearly a decade after the day it was first launched!
During the last 10 years, 499 lucky winners have scooped a total of £998,000 in cash prizes in a local lottery that has created more than 662 jobs and supported 123 businesses in Pembrokeshire to the tune of £1,406,770!
And to celebrate its one millionth pound in prize money, the 500th Pembrokeshire Lottery prize winner will win yet another tasty treat - a romantic dinner for two in a top Pembrokeshire restaurant!
Said Pembrokeshire Lottery manager Naomi Loosmoore: "This is a very special occasion for The Pembrokeshire Lottery, so to celebrate in style, we have decided to give away an extra special tempting treat to our lucky one millionth pound prize winner on June 18!
"In addition to the £2,000 cash prize, our 500th lucky winner will enjoy a mouth-watering meal for two at a well-known Pembrokeshire restaurant. Hopefully, this will whet the appetite of Pembrokeshire people to buy their first lottery ticket now!"
The idea for a Pembrokeshire Lottery was first conceived in the early 1990s in the face of concern over growing unemployment and the county's over reliance on a small number of large employers. The money raised from the £1 per week price of each lottery ticket was to be used to provide interest free loans to Pembrokeshire companies to help create jobs and promote indigenous business.
The Investing in Pembrokeshire Society - a voluntary group of directors - was established to run the lottery and the first draw took place in November 1993. Since then, 5,415 Pembrokeshire people have joined, 499 winners have scooped £998,000 in prize money, more than 662 full-time, part-time and seasonal jobs have been created - more than 88 this year alone - and 123 businesses have been supported through £1,406,770 in business loans.
Said Naomi: "None of this would have been possible without the help of our ticket holders who we would like to thank for their loyal support. Over the next 10 years, we hope to build on these fantastic achievements, so if you're not a ticket holder yet, now is the time to join. And with the chance to win a romantic meal for two, there has never been a better time!"
Anyone wishing to join The Pembrokeshire Lottery can telephone Naomi Loosmore on 01646 690800.