THE organiser of the Blue Brazil Lottery has underlined the work going on to give people the opportunity to keep playing this funding avenue for Cowdenbeath Football Club.

Fans are keen that the BBL keeps going but the club is aware that different ways for people to place their entries are needed with many of the pubs, clubs and shops that sell tickets currently closed due to the coronavirus situation.

Said director John Cameron: "It is a continuing challenge but a good number of our lottery players have urged us to keep the lottery going at this time so they can keep on supporting the club as it faces very real financial challenges in these tough days.

"We have taken our lead too from other Lotteries including, the National Lottery and the Health Lottery, which to an extent have the same issues as regards less outlets being available whilst online play is not impacted.

"They both continue to raise monies for good causes and in a much more minor way we believe helping Cowdenbeath FC, especially at this very difficult time, to be a reasonably 'worthy cause'.

"There probably isn’t a solution for all those who can’t play online, but there may well be options that may suit some – e.g. by advising us of the numbers by e-mail and arranging for a bank transfer of the stake money to our Bank lottery account (we can advise details) if say you have phone banking.

"Alternatively, money could be posted myself John Cameron, at my home address 38 Malleny Avenue, Balerno, Midlothian EH14 7EJ.

"Thus there are these other possibilities and in line with many other Lotteries in these exceptional times we are continuing to try to keep the weekly draw going.

"We do regret if we can’t make arrangements that suit all our loyal lottery players but maybe it can be readily appreciated why after much thought, on balance, we decided the best course was to carry on the lottery at least for the time being".

John added: "Due to the impact of the coronavirus measures, and the need for social distancing, the public draw and the lottery booby prize have been suspended until normal service has been resumed. The jackpot prize will continue as normal to be drawn every Friday. We are sure you can understand why these steps have been necessary and thank you for continued support of the Club.

"Unfortunately our last outlet in Cowdenbeath, Beath Bargain Store, has now taken the decision for now to suspend collecting entries for the club lottery for obvious reasons. Cowdenbeath FC would wish to thank all our outlets for their co-operation and great help over the years. Let’s hope that things will get back to normal soon. Keep Safe".

The Blue Brazil Lottery draw took place on Friday supervised by a club director when the winning numbers were 1-2-3-5-10 and 11. The jackpot of £4,300 was not won and so rolls over to become £4,400 this week. Friday’s draw will once again be supervised by a Cowdenbeath FC Director on Friday April 10, Good Friday.