ASHBURTON Town Council Lottery has distributed £100,000 in grants and prize money since it started in 1998. The lottery, the bright idea of Ashburton Town Council, collects money at the rate of £1 a week from members – who must be Ashburton residents. Each member is allocated a number which is entered in a lottery draw via Delta on the internet. 'The first number picked wins the first prize of £100,' said town clerk John Germon. 'But first we check that the person has remembered to pay their £1 that week. If they haven't we move on to the next number...' Five prizes worth £100, £25, £20, £15 and £10 are awarded each week. So far, more than £67,000 has been paid out in prize money. All money not used for prizes is allocated to local good causes. More than £36,000 has been paid out in grants since 1998. Last October's beneficiaries included Ashburton Family Services, Ashburton Pre-School, The Bank Youth Project, Ashburton in Bloom, Ashburton Community Development Trust and St John Ambulance. 'Grants vary from £50 to £700,' said Mr Germon. 'Nearly 100 different organisations have benefited from grants over the years. 'Organisations can apply twice annually, in March and September, for a local lottery grant. 'Every organisation must say what they want the money for, why they want it, and they must produce a full set of accounts.' The final date for applications for this month's lottery grant is March 14. Application forms are available from the town clerk's office and Ashburton Information Centre. 'New members who want to play the town council lottery are always welcome,' said Mr Germon. 'A lot of people have benefited from the Ashburton Town Council Lottery. We are very grateful to all participants for their support. They have assisted the town council to benefit various organisations by way of grants.'