A WINNING Lotto ticket worth £1 million was bought in Tameside – however, its owner has yet to come forward.
The search for the borough’s missing millionaire has taken in landmarks such as Portland Basin and Hartshead Pike, but the hunt is still on.
With the £1 million prize due to expire at midnight on December 28, the mystery ticket-holder has just two months left to claim their winnings.
The winning Lotto ticket was bought from a retailer in Tameside for the draw on Wednesday, July 1. The winning numbers were 5, 8, 26, 33, 39 and 42, with 54 as the Bonus Ball.
Andy Carter, Senior Winners’ Advisor at Allwyn, the operator of The National Lottery, has been out and about in the borough in an effort to track down the winner.
He said: “I’ve searched high and low across Tameside for our missing millionaire, but I’ve had no luck. With just two months left to claim this £1 million prize, now is the time for anyone who bought a Lotto ticket in Tameside for the July 1 draw to have another look.
“The winning ticket could be tucked away somewhere completely ordinary, while its owner has absolutely no idea they are a millionaire.
“We’d love to find the person we’ve been looking for and turn this search into a celebration. So, if you bought a ticket in the area, dig it out, check those numbers and help us find Tameside’s missing millionaire. It could be you.”
National Lottery players have 180 days from the date of a draw to claim a prize, meaning the deadline for this particular win is fast approaching.
Anyone who thinks they may hold the winning ticket, or has questions about claiming a prize, can contact the National Lottery Line on 0333 234 5050 or email help@national-lottery.co.uk
The search comes amid a strong run of Lotto wins, with 11 millionaires made in less than four weeks.
On Wednesday, October 21, one player won a £4.3 million jackpot, while two other ticket holders became millionaires after matching five main numbers and the Bonus Ball.
More than 140 millionaires have been made through Lotto since the start of the year.
The National Lottery also raises money for good causes across the UK, with around £33 million generated each week to support projects in communities nationwide.