LOTTERY players’ luck is in this week, as Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre opens its doors for free to anyone who has ever bought a ticket.

As part of a nationwide Heritage Lottery Fund initiative to say ‘thank you’ to those who help fund major projects, anyone with proof of every playing the National Lottery can get into the visitor centre for free from December 11 to 17.

Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre was recently awarded £12m from the Heritage Lottery Fund to support its First Light Project, which aims to conserve and restore the heritage of site and create an engaging new visitors’ gallery.

Ros Kerslake, chief executive of the Heritage Lottery Fund, said: “December is a wonderful time to experience the UK’s rich, diverse and exciting heritage, which has been transformed by more than £7bn National Lottery funding since 1994.

“This is a small gesture of thanks and a way of giving something back to the people who buy tickets.”

Lorna Harper, deputy director of Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre said: “Thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund, we’ve been able to do begin work on this exciting new development for Jodrell Bank.

“While we’re still in the early stages of the project, this is a great opportunity for us to say thank you to those people that have helped fund it.”

From Monday, December 11 to Sunday, December 17, visitors who have ever played the National Lottery will get free admission to the Discovery Centre.

Proof of this can be either digital or paper, such as an online lottery account, a lottery ticket or scratch card – the date of purchase is not relevant.

Along with free entry to the Discovery Centre, which includes interactive exhibits, visitors can enjoy further free events and activities such as garden tours, science shows and drop-in craft activities running throughout the week.

Book in advance at jodrellbank.net/thankstoyou – you can bring as many of your friends and family with you with a single lottery ticket, but be sure to add them to you booking.