Hundreds of pounds of prize money has already been awarded to residents of an Oxford estate in a new lottery.

The Blackbird Bonanza lottery was set up by the Pathway Workshop charity, in Dunnock Way, Blackbird Leys, to raise money and for a kitty to help other local organisations.

Carole Newbigging, administrator of Pathway, which employs and trains disabled adults to make wooden garden products, said: "The bonanza has been well received throughout Blackbird Leys.

"Membership is increasing steadily and jackpot prizes totalling £2,500 have already been won. If this rate continues the jackpot could reach the maximum £1,000 before Christmas."

She said door-to-door collectors had been appointed throughout the estate but more were still needed, particularly for Greater Leys.

The bonanza was launched in May when Andrew Smith, the MP for East Oxford and honorary president of Pathway, made the first draw. Residents, who pay £1 a week, have the chance to win a weekly prize with the membership limited to 2,000.

The weekly jackpot is now more than £300 and 700 numbers have been allocated.

Part of each week's collection is given to an estate charity and it is hoped it will make more than £1,100 in the first year.

Collectors will be invited to nominate a local charity or organisation to benefit.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.