STAR-GAZER Mystic Meg brought a lotto luck to East Lancashire yesterday to kick-start a charity appeal -- and made some intriguing predictions.

The Accrington-born astrologer was guest of honour at the launch of East Lancashire Hospice's in-house lottery at the town hall and she forecast some interesting times ahead for fans of Blackburn Rovers and Burnley -- and a fireman named Alan!

Former National Lottery star Meg, whose real name is Margaret Lake, toured the town with civic dignitaries on a carriage pulled by some dray horses from Thwaites, which is backing the appeal.

She said her East Lancashire roots were one of the reasons she was delighted to help the hospice.

She said: "I was born in Accrington and lived there until I was two and then we moved away to Oldham. I've never been back to the house on Russia Street but I love the name. My great grandmother was Russian and she used to live in Haslingden.

"I've got two predictions about the lottery. Firstly, I predict it will be a tremendous success, not just because it's fun and all the money goes to a good cause, but because it starts on April 4, which is the luckiest day of the year because that's when Jupiter starts moving again.

"Even just being in the draw on that day will bring good fortune. Secondly, the first winnner will be an Aries, a fireman called Alan, who supports Blackburn Rovers.

"As for Blackburn, I predict they will reach the final of the FA Cup but I'm not going to spoil it for people by saying whether they win or not. Goalie Brad Friedel will be the hero of the town by saving a penalty at a crucial point in the cup run.

"For Burnley I'm looking further ahead to 2004 when they'll be on a big run for promotion. I also predict a mysterious benefactor will make the club's cash position much stronger.

"People will be very surprised by who it is and by one of the players they buy -- a Spanish player who will be a great success."

Civic dignitaries including Mayor and Mayoress of Blackburn with Darwen, Coun Tony Humphrys and his wife Jacqueline, were at the launch, along with hospice volunteers. Around 75,000 leaflets have been circulated, giving people a chance to sign up to the lottery, which will have a £1,500 weekly prize fund and £1,000 jackpot. Around 70p from every pound collected goes to the hospice.

Lottery manager Harry Grayson wants to sign up 2,300 members by the first draw in April and 7,000 by the end of the year.

Other launch parties take place in Accrington today and Clitheroe on Monday. And today, from 1.30pm-3.30pm, there will be an open day at the hospice, in Park Lee Road, Blackburn.

To join the lottery, help with collections or canvass, contact Harry Grayson or Ann Hindle on 01254 660900.