MILLIONS of people play the lottery in the hope of winning the jackpot and getting themselves a better life.

But, of course, all lotteries are there to raise money for good causes too.

Concerns were raised when the national lottery was first set up about its impact on local charities.

It’s hard to tell if this concern has been justified over time.

But Kirkwood Hospice is now worried that the new Health Lottery may put people off playing the one it organises to raise such vital funds, especially at such a bleak economic time when every penny really does count.

There are so many local charities out there worrying about their future as grants dry up and fundraising gets ever harder. People only have so much to give and their disposable income is falling.

Clearly the prizes may be bigger with the national lotteries, but it will be more difficult to know where your money is going and how it benefits our region.

With our local charities people can see how their money is helping so let’s hope people keep them close to their hearts and continue to support them even if they do have a national flutter now and then.