Someone in South Gloucestershire has finally realised they've just become a millionaire - after leaving a winning lottery ticket unclaimed for nearly three weeks.
The mystery winner scooped a million pounds after they matched five main numbers and the bonus ball on the Lotto draw last month. But after the winning numbers came up on February 19, whoever it was - and they have so far remained anonymous - didn't know and didn't claim their prize, prompting National Lottery operators Camelot to appeal to people in South Gloucestershire, where the ticket was bought, to check their numbers again.
And that appeal, shared by Bristol Live, worked - and now the lucky winner has come forward at last to claim their life-changing winnings. The claim is currently going through all the validation processes to check they are legitimate winners, but Camelot's Andy Carter - who has the most unusual job in the South West as the man employed by Camelot to support and advise lottery winners - said it was great news the prize had been claimed.
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"What amazing news for this lucky ticket-holder who has claimed their prize," he said. "We will now focus on supporting the ticket-holder through the process.
“We’re encouraging everyone to check their tickets online at national-lottery.co.uk or by downloading the National Lottery app. You can also buy and check your tickets in retail. Playing online via the website or app means that your ticket is checked, and you get an email notification if you win a prize. You can also scan your retail tickets on the National Lottery app to check if you're a winner.
"With all National Lottery draws, players have 180 days from the day of the draw to claim their prize if they have the winning ticket. Anyone who has any queries or who believes they have the winning ticket for any of the National Lottery draws within the 180-day deadline should call the National Lottery Line on 0333 234 5050 or email help@national-lottery.co.uk.
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