OLD Basing residents have the chance to win hundreds of pounds and, at the same time, help local Scouts and Guides achieve their goal of building a new headquarters.

In an effort to raise more than £150,000, the Old Basing Scouts and Guides have started a monthly lottery.

The first draw for 2003 was held last week when number 46 was picked out, winning one lucky punter £25.

David Pusey, promoter for the Old Basing Scout and Guide fundraising committee, said the current dilapidated hut in Milkingpen Lane needs replacing.

He said: "Previous committees have raised a fairly substantial sum of money, but unfortunately each year the building costs rise and the target seems ever elusive."

The current committee hopes the new initiative will raise enough money so that they can get the project off the ground.

David is asking people to buy shares in the lottery through standing orders. Each share costs £1, but he hopes generous residents of Old Basing and Lychpit will be able to take shares in £5 blocks.

He said: "We envisage that the club will support 2,000 shares or more. In this case, your investment of £1 or £5 or more would give you a better chance of winning up to £500 than if you bought a Lotto ticket. The more money in the lottery, the bigger the prize. You will also be contributing to a very worthy cause."

For further information, call David on 01256 322768 or Helen Worgan on 01256 477618.