Ex-president's cash coup

Victoria (Reuter) - James Mancham, the former playboy president of the Seychelles, has hit the jackpot in a lottery held to raise funds for the man who ousted him in a 1977 coup - President Albert Rene. Embarrassed officials of president's Seychelles People's Progressive Front said Mr Mancham won the 125,000 rupee ( pounds 13,250) first prize in a lottery held to raise funds for President Rene's campaign in multi-party elections.

Mr Mancham, back in the Seychelles to contest the polls, said he would give the prize to a national reconciliation fund.