HUNDREDS of residents who formed a massive village syndicate in the hope of boosting their fortunes have decided to donate their National Lottery winnings to charity.

The 330-strong group of hopefuls from Burton-in-Kendal took part in the Lottery New Year's Draw at £5 a head, and walked away with £684 between them instead of the anticipated millions.

Rather than dividing out the pounds and pence, the villagers agreed to share the money between local branches of the Macmillan Nurses and the Alzheimer's Society.

Dave and Susan Williamson, who run the village newsagency and post office, organised the syndicate for the second year running and plan to continue it each new year.

Mr Williamson, who also buys himself a weekly lottery ticket, said: "As syndicates go it's big really, especially in a village with only about 1,800 residents.

"We had decided if we won more than £5 a head we would divide it up, but if it was less we would give it to charity as most people aren't bothered about getting small amounts back."

Last year a 335-strong syndicate from Burton-in-Kendal won £460, which also benefited local causes.