Whitworth mates join forces to go into business

From left, best friends Grant Proctor and Jan Wormald with the lottery machine and some of the prizes that will be won through World Class Wins

Two best friends have set up their own business offering people the chance to win amazing prizes while making sure charity also benefits.

It was good fortune that enabled Jan Wormald and Grant Proctor, both from Whitworth, to switch their day jobs and set up World Class Wins, now they want to ensure they pass their good luck to other winners as well as supporting charities.

The business is based in Shawclough, Rochdale and sells tickets for everything from a luxury vehicle and Rolex watch, to a child's motorbike and golf clubs. Tickets start from as little as 99p.

The pair have been friends from childhood, as they both played for the same team at Whitworth Valley Football Club and continued their friendship into adulthood, enjoying family holidays.

Jan, 39, worked for Royal Mail for 20 years while Grant, 38, has had his own plastering business since he left school.

Grant said: “I knew that realistically I had about five to 10 more years working as a plasterer because it takes its toll.”

Jan said: “We often talked about setting up our own business, then in March we were offered the opportunity and we have not looked back.

“In the first year we have pledged at least £7,500 to our chosen charity of the year – CLIC Sargent, a cancer charity for children in the North West with leukaemia.

“We will also be offering draws when the profit will go to a local good cause. We held a special live trial run when we gave away five free prizes ranging from Apple products to coffee machines and the profit of £300 went to The Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal.”

Grant said: “Our own lottery ball machine had just arrived, it has come all the way from America from the same manufacturers who made Camelot's machinery. This will make our live draws more interactive.

“There are similar businesses across the country, and one successful one appeared on Dragons' Den.

“The difference with our business is that when you buy a ticket, you are also contributing to charity. Our prizes are the same value as the larger businesses, but we sell fewer tickets so there is more chance to win.”

Local firms have been employed to complete all the printing and teenager Jacob Reader, who set up JJR Video Productions this year on leaving Whitworth Community High School, is filming a launch video for the company.