Lottery chiefs trying to track down a £130,000 winner in Hounslow have adopted a novel approach ahead of Valentine's Day.

They have taken out a lonely hearts ad in a last-ditch attempt to get the mystery ticket holder to claim the prize before the March 17 deadline.

The advert, set to appear in the Hounslow Chronicle on Friday (February 12), is written from the perspective of the lucky ticket, which is desperately seeking its owner.

The lonely ticket calls for a 'long-lost love' to come forward for a 'life-changing experience' and, like all those looking for love this Valentine's Day, says it is hoping for 'a match made in heaven'.

A National Lottery spokeswoman said: "We don't usually play cupid but if there's a possibility we can unite someone with their £130,000 win in this way we'll definitely give it a try!

"This is certainly one of the more unusual steps we have taken to unite the owner of an unclaimed ticket with their win but we hope it will have the desired effect. Many people meet their life partners this way, so why not a life-changing windfall!"

The mystery winner matched their five numbers in the Lotto HotPicks 'Pick 5' game with five of the six main numbers from the Lotto draw on September 19 last year. The winning Lotto numbers on that date were 14, 26, 28, 31, 32 and 44.

Should they fail to come forward before midnight on March 17, the money and any interest accrued will go towards National Lottery-funded projects across the UK.

Anyone who believes they have the winning ticket for any of the National Lottery draws within the 180-day deadline should call 0844 338 7551 or email help@national-lottery.co.uk.

You can pick up a free copy of the Hounslow Chronicle from all good newsagents and supermarkets in the borough.