Today is the end of an era. After 20 years during which more than £1million has been raised for local clubs and organisations, the Havering Lottery will draw to a close.

Despite the efforts of Harold Hill pensioner Ron Wells, 77, of Tring Gardens, and Harry Manning, 75, from Gidea Park, who operate the Havering Lottery kiosk in Romford's Liberty shopping centre, the lottery will end today.

Mr Wells said: "We can both remember days a few years ago when people queued to buy tickets and we were taking money as fast as we could issue the tickets.

But sadly those days are gone, and the simple fact is people seem to be far more interested in the big money prizes offered by the National Lottery."

The Mayor, Cllr Harry Webb, thanked the two men for their dedication over the years. "Harry and Ron have done everything they possibly could to keep The Havering Lottery going against overwhelming competition.

"But for their effort and determination, turning out to staff the kiosk in all weathers, I am sure the lottery would have closed long ago."

Senior citizens' clubs, sports organisations, local charities and individuals were disappointed at the news.

Many of them including Dycorts Youth Club in Settle Road, Harold Hill, the Harold Hill Diabetic Group and the Harold Hill Family and Social Club, enjoyed proceeds from the local lottery.

Sports bursaries from the lottery also helped and encouraged hundreds of Havering's young sports enthusiasts to pursue their chosen fields.

Doug Riden, president of Havering Sports Council, said: "We are all very disappointed but there is nothing we can do.

"The lottery has been a great help to many local sports organisations over the years. Now people will have to raise extra money themselves."

A spokesperson from Havering Council said: "Since the launch of the National Lottery in 1994 ticket sales have halved and this year no more than 60,000 were sold.

" With a ticket price of 25p and a top prize of £1,000, The Havering Lottery cannot compete with The National Lottery's bumper payouts."

Denis O'Flynn, Heaton councillor and chairman of the community services strategic policy sub-committee, said: "Although we are sorry to lose the lottery, we must also remember that since 1978 it has raised more than £1million for local good causes and has given encouragement to many of Havering's young sportsmen and women.

"We can at least be satisfied that the Havering Lottery has kept going far longer than many of the local authority lotteries."

Although the Havering Lottery closes today around £35,000 of proceeds still remain in lottery funds. Grants to local organisations, clubs and individuals will still be available for some time.

For details and application forms ring Hazel Tape on 01708 772205.

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