GOOD causes in Taunton Deane and West Somerset are being encouraged to sign up to benefit from the new Somerset West lottery jointly set up by the respective borough and district councils.

The lottery was officially launched yesterday (Tuesday) at the Council Chamber at West Somerset House in Williton and The Albermarle Centre, Taunton.

From every £1 ticket sold, 60p will go to charities, voluntary organisations and other good causes which work in the area, while players of the lottery can win a £25,000 jackpot, plus smaller prizes.

Good causes which want to benefit can register at www.somersetwestlottery.co.uk Residents can also buy tickets from the website from June 13. Players have a 50-to-one chance of winning a prize, which range from the £25,000 jackpot to three extra tickets.