Desmond to run a national health lottery

The media baron Richard Desmond launched The Health Lottery yesterday, a nationwide scheme that he claimed would generate £50m a year for charitable projects outside National Health Service funding.

The £1-a-ticket draw will take place live on his TV network Channel 5, and the games will be promoted across his print titles, including the Daily Express and OK! magazine. Mr Desmond said the project would not threaten Camelot's National Lottery.