AN opportunity has been launched, allowing people to help a local charity while being in with the chance to win a cash prize.

A monthly lottery has been set up by CHICKS (Country Holidays for Inner City Kids), to raise money to provide holidays for underprivileged children.

It will draw three winners each month.

Jenny Paton, corporate and events fundraiser for CHICKS said: 'For every £1 stake, 60p goes directly to the charity. That's more than double what the National Lottery donates to good causes, plus the chances of winning are considerably higher.

'This is a great way to support a local charity and raise funds for disadvantaged children.'

First place winners receive £250 or 25% of the total fund raised from the previous month, second place receives £100 or 10% of the fund and third place winners receive £50 or 5% of the fund.

The lottery takes place on the first of every month and volunteer Patrick Johns and Elanor Hoskin, CHICKS head of fundraising and communications, were pleased to draw the first three winners last week.

The winners will be posted on CHICKS' website every month.'

This month's winners were Sarah Livingstone from Plymouth, who won the first prize, Ian Tweedale from Horrabridge, who won second, and Steve Buckingham, also from Plymouth, third.

CHICKS has two retreats used to offer holidays to children, a moorland retreat in Brentor, and a coastal retreat in Par, Cornwall. From the money raised by the lottery, 60% goes to funding the respite breaks at these retreats.

To join the lottery costs £1 a month, and a standing order of £12 for the year can be arranged.

To join the CHICKS lottery, contact Jenny Paton on 01822 811115, or email [email protected]">[email protected] For more information about CHICKS visit http://www.chicks.org.uk">www.chicks.org.uk