Free attraction tickets and food and drink deals are among the offers open to National Lottery players next month to say thank you for the money those who play raise for good causes.

National Lottery Open Week takes place between Saturday, June 5 and Sunday, June 13.

It encourages heritage sites, tourist attractions and places of interest, which have benefited from National Lottery cash, to give something back to the players who make it possible.

And with large numbers of families expected to enjoy holidays and breaks closer to home during the upcoming half term holiday, the start of the promotion may come at an ideal time.

National Lottery players raise £30 million for good causes every week and since March 2020 over £1billion of National Lottery funding has helped communities, people and organisations impacted by the coronavirus pandemic get back on their feet.

Lottery-funded organisations and attractions are offering free entry, 2-for-1 ticket promotions, free food and drink or money-off refreshments and other deals to visitors who can show a National Lottery ticket ticket or scratchcard.

In most instances the date the game was played is not relevant and this can be either a paper or digital copy of a lottery game - those wishing to take up a deal just need to prove they have been a National Lottery player.

The #ThanksToYou annual initiative first began in 2017 and has now grown to include more than 650 offers and has reached more than 14 million people. While previous participants of Open Week have reported increased visitor numbers or interaction on their social media channels.

Organiser The National Lottery Heritage Fund says it can also now be a great way to remind families - many of whom will still be enjoying the tail end of the half term holiday - that attractions are now opening for business as the country emerges from lockdown.

How to claim

To find deals and offers near you or a place you're planning to visit for a break next week, head to the National Lottery's dedicated Open Week website www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk or click here.

You can search by region or enter your postcode to find attractions close to you taking part.

When you have found the deal you'd like to claim click through to find its individual terms and conditions, which may include particular dates the offer is available.

Among the sites in Kent to have already posted a deal for Open Week are Dover Castle and Walmer Castle while further afield, Biggin Hill Memorial Museum, The British Museum and Kenwood House all hope to entice National Lottery players. Wembley Stadium is also offering discounted stadium tours to sports fans who can register now and book a trip for later in the year.

Places of interest which want to put forward an offer for Open Week can find out more by clicking here.

For more news on big brands and good places to enjoy a tasty bite, head to our Eat, Drink, Shop section