FINAL touches are now being laid for the launch of Wirral's newest lottery in just five weeks' time . . .

The St John's Hospice in Wirral Weekly Lottery offers a top prize of £2,000 and 53 other prizes ranging from £500 to £5.

It is the latest fund-raising idea for St John's Hospice, which needs to raise £1 million annually to maintain its valuable service for the terminally ill and their families.

Hospice chairman Dr Paul Cuthbertson concedes that some people will, understandably, have misgivings regarding lotteries, but he hopes they will understand and support the reasoning behind the new venture.

He said: "Much soul searching and thought has gone into this and there are good reasons for proceeding with our own weekly membership lottery."

First draw takes place on Friday, January 2, 1998, and will be made by the Mayor of Wirral, Coun Barney Gilfoyle. Membership of the St John's Hospice Lottery will cost £1 per week, which buys one ticket and that gives the holder a unique number selected by computer.

The 54 winning numbers will be published each week in the Wirral Globe.

There are two ways to play - either by paying in advance on a 'block booking' basis or by paying a collector who will call at houses every other week.

Lottery Manager Allan Stewart would still like to hear from more people willing to become collectors. Those who would like more details - or a membership form - should contact him on 334-0348.

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