AN unlucky Cheshire resident has missed out on becoming a millionaire after failing to claim their winning Lotto prize.

Camelot UK Lotteries Limited, operator of The National Lottery, announced the £1 million Millionaire Raffle prize from the Lotto draw has remained unclaimed more than 180 days after the draw took place.

The ticket-holder bought their winning ticket in Cheshire West and Chester on July 23, 2016.

The deadline for the ticket-holder to claim their prize was at midnight on Thursday, January 19, 2017.

As the deadline has now passed the money, plus the interest it earned, has now gone to help National Lottery-funded projects across the UK.

Andy Carter, senior winners’ advisor at The National Lottery said: “Unfortunately, I can confirm that the ticket-holder did not come forward within the deadline to claim their prize and has now sadly missed out on this substantial amount of money.

“To avoid this unfortunate situation happening again, I would urge all National Lottery players to check their tickets on a regular basis.

“We tried very hard to find the ticket-holder and it’s a real shame that they have missed out, but there is still one winner – the nation.

“This money, and all the interest earned over the 180 days, will now go to benefit projects all over the UK funded by The National Lottery.”

Every week Lotto Millionaire Raffle guarantees to create two millionaires– one on Wednesday and one on Saturday.

For every Lotto line played, players automatically receive a Lotto Millionaire Raffle code printed on their ticket.

Players raise on average, more than £30 million for National Lottery-funded projects every week.

Since 1994 £36 billion has been raised by National Lottery players, which has been awarded to National Lottery-funded projects across the arts, sports, heritage, health, education, environment, charity and voluntary sectors.

With all National Lottery draws, players have 180 days from the day of the draw to claim their prize if they have the winning ticket.

Anyone who has any queries or who believes they have the winning ticket for any of the National Lottery draws within the 180-day deadline should call the National Lottery Line on 0844 338 7551 or email help@national-lottery.co.uk