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Branson looking forward to the chance to run the Lottery

Andrea Babbington
Thursday 24 August 2000 00:00 BST
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Sir Richard Branson returned to Britain from a hurricane-struck Caribbean today, jubilant at realising his dream of running the National Lottery.

Sir Richard Branson returned to Britain from a hurricane-struck Caribbean today, jubilant at realising his dream of running the National Lottery.

The Virgin boss vowed that if he was successful in winning the right to stage the Lottery he would keep his promise to deliver more for good causes and make more millionaires.

He also threw a lifeline to the 800 workers at his defeated rival Camelot, saying he hoped to recruit many to his People's Lottery.

The tycoon said he would be urging Camelot to "grow up" and work with him to save workers from redundancy.

The 50-year-old multi-millionaire flew back from his hurricane-lashed Caribbean island Necker as soon as weather permitted, abandoning 31 guests to rush home.

He is to meet the National Lottery Commission tomorrow and plans to negotiate hard over a £50 million emergency prize fund they have set down as a precondition.

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