IT HAS been a great start to 2024 for hundreds of people in Hereford and Worcester who have won cash in January's Premium Bonds prize draws.

There were celebrations for over 300 people across the two counties who all won £1,000 in the draw.

Seven people won £1,000 after investing just £25 in the National Savings & Investments bonds.

Another person had a £1,000 win despite only buying the bonds in November 2023 while another had a win after purchasing £200 worth of bonds in February 1991.

Unfortunately, nobody in the two counties won any of the larger prize pots of £1m, £100,000 and £50,000.

Andrew Westhead, NS&I retail director, said: “Congratulations to our first millionaires of 2024 from Warwickshire and Nottingham - a wonderful way to welcome the New Year in.

"The quickest way to check if you have won a prize is to use our Premium Bonds prize checker app, check online, or even ask Alexa from the second working day of each month onwards.

"New Year is also a good time to check that NS&I has your up-to-date details and to get winnings paid straight into your bank account, so that any of your prizes don’t go unclaimed this year.” 

Premium Bonds is an investment product issued by National Savings & Investments.

Unlike other investments, where investors earn interest or a regular dividend income, bonds are entered into a monthly prize draw where people can win between £25 and £1m.