THE sands of time are running out for one lucky Lotto winner to get their hooks into almost £200,000 of unclaimed cash.

Believe it or not someone in the Blackpool or West Lancashire area is sitting on a massive windfall of £193,385 and they don't know it.

The National Lottery ticket was purchased for the draw on January 5, and has since remained unclaimed. However, the deadline is fast approaching and the closing date is set for July 4.

The winning numbers were 2,16, 28, 34, 41 and 42, with a bonus number of 38.

Camelot regional centre manager, Adrian Mann explained: "This was the first draw of 2002 so the winner may have been bringing in the New Year visiting friends and family on the Fylde Coast.

"I would urge Lotto players to double check their winter coat pockets, under sofa cushions, handbags, kitchen drawers, overnight bags or anywhere they may have put the ticket. Someone in the area could be having a whale of a time."

Contact the National Lottery on (01923) 425456.