PLANS for a council-run local lottery in Bournemouth have been approved.

The scheme, which would be run by an external lottery management company (ELM), would have a £25,000 jackpot, while 60 per cent of the ticket receipts would go to local 'good causes', such as charities and community groups.

The council already has a company in mind, which runs "local lotteries across the country which are very successful".

At a cabinet meeting last week Councillor Jane Kelly, cabinet member for regeneration, said it would "take a while" for the borough to obtain a lottery licence, and in the meantime it would be seeking applications from groups to be beneficiaries of the scheme.

"In that period we or the ELM can invite local causes and charities to apply to be in the scheme," she said.

"They don't have to be a charity, but they have to be a local group with a constitution and that sort of arrangement. Our staff know these charities very well anyway.

"Each will have its own special page on the website. Their members and followers can buy lottery tickets to support them, they can choose which charity to support."

According to the plans, based on similar schemes in Portsmouth and Aylesbury, 20 per cent of ticket sales takings will go to provide a range of prizes, and the remainder will go on admin costs.

The lottery would be based online via a website, however it would also be possible to book tickets by phone.

Cllr Kelly said the proportions compare well with the National Lottery, where "only 28 per cent" of cash raised is distributed.

The borough's report states: "Each ticket has a 1 in 50 chance of winning.

"Prizes range from the £25,000 jackpot for matching all six numbers, to three free tickets for a two-number match.

"The majority of winners win £250, £25 or three free tickets, with some players choosing to donate their prize back to a good cause.

"An insurance policy held by the ELM ensures every lottery win is and can be paid for."

The council estimates the scheme will cost £3,000 to set up via an external company and roughly £1,000 per year to operate - in fees to the Gambling Commission and Lotteries Council.

"Public sector grants have necessarily declined. We really appreciate these groups and want to help as much as we can," said Cllr Kelly.

"Establishing a lottery will generate income for them."

If all goes as planned the scheme will get under way next summer.