A LOTTERY prize of £66,000 which had previously been unclaimed in Dorset has now been collected.

The National Lottery had launched an appeal to try and track down the winner of the prize.

The prize of £66,360, from the National Lottery Lotto draw on December 20, 2014, was unclaimed from the Bournemouth and Christchurch boroughs.

Unless the winner opts to take full publicity and signs an agreement, no further information can be released about their win.

A National Lottery spokesperson said: “We’re delighted that the winner of this amazing prize has now come forward and we hope they will enjoy their win.

“It would have been awful if the ticket-holder had missed out on this substantial and life-enhancing amount of money. We would like to remind all National Lottery players to check their tickets every time they play.”

The ticket-holder had until June 18 to claim the prize when it would have been given to good causes funded by the National Lottery.

The winning numbers were 18, 22, 23, 32, 40, 42 and the bonus ball was 28.

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 more information contact 0845 912 5000 or go to www.national-lottery.co.uk.