FORMER US president Bill Clinton has praised a North-East organisation saying it encourages people to get involved with charities.

Speaking at a conference in Amsterdam last week, Bill Clinton said the Postcode Lottery was an excellent example of an organisation that inspires ordinary people to make a difference.

He said: "It is empowering people of ordinary means to have an extraordinary impact by pooling their resources."

He also said he thought the Postcode Lottery was fairer than other lotteries because it created more winners. "It is more democratic," he said. "I like it better."

He added that he was pleased that the UK Postcode Lottery was to expand into North Yorkshire next year.

He also met UK Postcode Lottery ambassador Ingrid Hagemann, who said: "Not only was I in awe of the former president, I was also very impressed by his knowledge."