NORTH-East TV presenter Jayne Middlemiss and town crier Colin Beswick yesterday gave a last call for a National Lottery winner to collect their winnings.

Lotto operator Camelot is still to pay £266,555 to a player from the Durham and Chester-le-Street area who picked five numbers and the bonus ball on Saturday, November 29.

But time is running out and the winner has only until 11pm on Thursday to claim the prize.

If no valid claim is forthcoming, the money will go to good causes supported by the game.

Miss Middlemiss, from Bedlington, Northumberland, who is presenting new Channel Five holiday programme Great Escapes, visited Durham to help town crier Colin Beswick announce the claim deadline.

"The money would buy a fair few pairs of shoes," she said.

Although the chances are that the winner lost their ticket or threw it away without checking, Camelot still hopes the money will be claimed.

A spokeswoman said: "This is a huge amount of money and could really make a difference to someone's life."

The winning numbers were 9, 23, 25, 26, 33, 36 and the bonus 37. If anyone thinks they have a winning ticket they are asked to call 0845-910 0000.

Meanwhile, Mr Beswick is preparing to host the Loyal Company of Town Criers' national championships, in Durham, on Saturday, July 3.

About 25 criers will compete for the title, but Durham, as the host, cannot enter.