Charities and good causes are being urged to get the ball rolling and sign up to a new council-run lottery scheme.

The web-based lottery West Norfolk Wins, organised by the borough council, is set to raise extra funding for voluntary and community organisations in the area.

Councillor Elizabeth Nockolds, deputy leader and cabinet member for culture, heritage and health, said: 'We understand that in the current economic climate it is often charities, groups and other community organisations who face the biggest budget cuts.

'This community lottery will give them a mechanism for raising much needed cash.'

Players can purchase a £1 ticket for a good cause or charity or to go towards the council's general fund.

At least 60pc of the ticket price will go towards good causes, 20pc to the prize fund, 17pc to the external lottery manager and 3pc VAT.

The general fund will be distributed to organisations that have experienced funding cuts, such as the King's Lynn Festival and Citizens Advice.

Tickets can be purchased from Tuesday, April 17 with the first draw to take place on Saturday, May 26.

It is hoped the lottery could raise between £5,000 and £15,000 per year.

Concerns were raised by councillors of gambling addiction, but speaking in a council meeting last year the leader, Brian Long, said it was unlikely and that the website will include details of where people can get help.

The lottery will be run by external lottery management company Gatherwell. At the launch event, Gatherwell managing director Ben Speares will give a brief presentation on how the lottery works, what is expected of organisations that sign up and how they can benefit.

Local charities and organisations are being encouraged to get registered on the site free of charge in order to be in with a chance of winning the jackpot.

To be eligible, organisations must be a group with a volunteer management committee that meets at least three times a year; or a registered charity; or a community interest group.

The launch event will take place on Tuesday, March 20, at 5.30pm at King's Lynn Town Hall.

Any organisation wishing to attend should register their interest by emailing info.westnorfolkwins@west-norfolk.gov.uk.