Councils have given the go ahead to proposals to set up a local community lottery scheme that will be shared across the South Hams and West Devon Borough areas.

The planned lottery which will jackpot up to £25,000 will operate in a similar way to the National Lottery or Health Lottery, however all funds raised will be spent in the South Hams and West Devon areas.

In addition, 50% of the ticket sales will go directly to a good cause, with customers able to chose a specific cause to support if they wish.

Councillor Keith Wingate, Executive Portfolio Holder for Business Development at South Hams District Council said he was “thrilled” that the lottery is going ahead.

“We have seen how other Councils have launched similar initiatives and how their communities thrived as a result” said Cllr Wingate.

“We look forward to witnessing the same for South Hams and West Devon.”

Councillor Lois Samuel, Deputy Leader for Income Generation and Business Development at West Borough Council said how “important" community empowerment is to both councils.

“This is why we are always open to proposals for potential projects” said Cllr Samuel.

“The community lottery is an exciting new theme that we are pleased to have approved. It will provide our communities with support and yet another tool to empower themselves. This is truly cause to celebrate.”

The first lottery will be drawn in early 2018.