THERE were simply thousands of people, and you may well have been one of them, who saw the winners of North Devon Hospice's Bumper Draw being picked this weekend.

The draw was made live on stage immediately before Barnstaple's Christmas lights were switched on.

This was a truly fantastic event, supported by many local businesses and thousands of spectators, and I was proud to be on stage when the draw took place.

There were three great prizes up for grabs – £5,000 cash, a Yamaha Scooter and a £500 holiday – and I was delighted that the winner of the scooter was a lady called Audrey Wood. Audrey happens to be a volunteer at North Devon Hospice, and gives so much of her time to support the cause. She is a lovely lady who brightens our day whenever she comes in, and she is a thoroughly deserving winner.

Thank you to the sponsors of the Bumper Draw (Blights Motors, Irelands Motorcycles and Farm and Cottage Holidays) and also to Barnstaple Town Centre Management for giving us the opportunity to be part of the wonderful switch-on event. Thanks to their support, and everyone who generously bought tickets, the Bumper Draw has raised more than £33,000 for North Devon Hospice. This is a wonderful achievement and all involved should be incredibly proud.

Another great way in which you can support the hospice is by regularly giving just £1 a week as a member of our Lottery Club.

This ongoing support means we can plan for the future with confidence, and you also stand to win one of 35 weekly cash prizes.

The lucky winner of this week's top prize was Mr A H (Lottery No. 48860) from Barnstaple who won £1,000, while Mr E L (15031) of Braunton won £100. Mrs P P (20607) of Barnstaple won £75, while Mrs B R (66154), our £50 winner, and our £25 winner, Mr G L (68135) both also live in Barnstaple.

Congratulations to the other 30 prizewinners for this week's draw and thank you so much to all our Lottery Club members and to our wonderful volunteers, collectors and canvassers for all your ongoing support.

If you would like to become part of North Devon Hospice's Lottery Club, please contact me on 01271 347217. I would be delighted to hear from you.

MIKE PENNY,

North Devon Hospice Lottery Manager.