Charities asked to apply for Christmas lottery funds

Guernsey charities are being reminded to apply for funds from the 2010 Channel Island Christmas Lottery before the deadline passes on 31 January.

The draw was the most successful in its 34 year history, with the first prize reaching £750,000.

Funding for the Bailiwick is handled by the Association of Guernsey Charities.

Treasurer Malcolm Woodhams said the money has to be for work or projects in the Bailiwick of Guernsey during 2011.

He said the amount raised by the 2010 draw was not yet known, but charitable organisations needed to submit their applications in order to be considered for a share of the funds.

Mr Woodhams said: "Although Christmas Lottery tickets only cost £1 each, the annual draw raises an amazing amount of money for charities each year.

"The 2010 lottery has broken all previous records for ticket sales, so we hope that there will be an increase in the amount of money available for local good causes, so we want to encourage charities to... apply for a share of these proceeds."

In the past five years, 72 different local organisations have received lottery grants.