Search on for unclaimed lottery ticket in Ballymena and Antrim

The search is now on to find the owner of the winning ticket, bought in the Boroughs of Antrim and Ballymena, who matched five numbers and the bonus ball in the Lotto draw on Wednesday 18 December 2013.

The winning Lotto numbers on that date were 2, 7, 25, 35, 40, 42 and the bonus ball was 13. The lucky ticket-holder has until Monday 16 June 2014 to claim their prize1.

If no-one comes forward with the winning ticket before the prize claim deadline, then the prize money, plus all the interest it has generated, will go to the National Lottery Good Causes – adding to the £31 billion already raised through sales of lottery tickets since The National Lottery launched in November 1994.

A National Lottery spokesperson said: “We’re desperate to find this mystery ticket-holder and unite them with their winnings – this amazing prize could really make a huge difference to somebody’s life, and what a great way to start 2014 it would be. We’re urging everyone who bought a ticket in this area to check their old tickets again or look anywhere a missing ticket could be hiding.

“Try checking in the pockets of clothing, in wallets, bags and down the back of the sofa – someone out there could literally be sitting on a fortune! We have the champagne on ice and our fingers crossed that the lucky winner comes forward to claim their win.”

To jog Lotto players’ memories, Somewhere Only We Know by Lily Allen topped the UK singles chart at the time, whilst Robbie William was at the top of the album chart with Swing Both Ways.

Football fans may well remember that Ballymena United, were in action around the time of the Lotto draw in the Danske Bank Premiership. The Sky Blues welcomed Crusaders to the Ballymena Showgrounds and enjoyed a hard-fought 1-0 win. Away from sport, locals were no doubt busy putting their last minute preparations in place for the festive period.

Anyone who believes they have the winning ticket for any of the National Lottery draws within the 180-day deadline should call the National Lottery Line on 0845 910 0000.

Anyone concerned about lost or unchecked tickets may like to consider either setting up a National Lottery Subscription or playing online at www.national-lottery.co.uk. Numbers can be entered in advance and lucky winners are notified online if their numbers come up. For further information call 0845 912 5000 or visit www.national-lottery.co.uk.