MONDAYS are looking brighter for one charity which is to receive a £100,000 boost.

The Amber Foundation, which runs a centre for vulnerable young people in Bythesea Road, Trowbridge, is one of 70 charities partnering with a new charity lottery, called simply monday, after the day it is played.

One draw later this year should give Amber the six-figure sum, to be used wherever the charity sees fit. Chief executive Charles Drew said: "We are thrilled to be part of the monday lottery, a revolutionary new fundraising initiative with potential to transform our charity and which will enable us to reach significantly more beneficiaries.

"The monies raised can be used to help reach many more young people. "Unrestricted funds are so vitally important to our charity because it allows us more financial security in the knowledge that the money is there when it is needed."

For every pound spent with monday, 30p will go direct to charity, with Barnardos, The British Red Cross and the St John Ambulance also among those to benefit. The lottery, run by Chariot (UK) plc on behalf of the charity members, will have two jackpot draws.

There will be no rollovers and if no-one matches six numbers the prize will go to the closest match. There will also be bigger prizes, in relation to the jackpot, for matching three, four or five numbers.

The lottery aims to raise £150m for charities each year, with the money reaching them within days of the draw. The lottery will be played only online, with the first draw due to be held on May 8, at www.playmonday.com

Amber helps long-term unemployed young people, many of whom are battling with drugs, alcohol and homelessness, have been involved in crime or suffer from a lack of self-esteem and confidence.

Amber provides the opportunity and support they need to turn their lives around and says that in 80 per cent of cases, the charity's programme works. Young people are challenged, encouraged and given help to change their own personal circumstances and find homes and jobs or return to education.